Panda Express Sauce

Hey guys! So today I’m gonna tell you all about Panda Express sauces because honestly there super important for making your meal taste even better. Alot of people don’t even know what sauces Panda has or which ones go with what food, so I’m here to help!

What Sauces Does Panda Express Actually Have?

Ok so here’s the complete list of sauces you can get at Panda Express. Your gonna be surprised because there’s actually seven different ones!

1. Teriyaki Sauce
2. Sweet and Sour Sauce
3. Chili Sauce (the spicy one!)
4. Soy Sauce
5. Potsticker Sauce
6. Hot Mustard
7. Plum Sauce

Each sauce has its own unique flavor and their all free when you order! Trust me, once you learn about these sauces, your meals are gonna taste way better.

Breaking Down Each Sauce (The Details)

Let me tell you about each sauce so you know what your getting. I’m gonna give you all the info on taste, calories, and what dishes go best with each one!

1. Teriyaki Sauce

What It Tastes Like: Teriyaki sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and has alot of umami flavor (thats that deep, rich taste). Its not as thick as Orange sauce and has kind of a thinner consistency.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 1.8 oz (about 1 packet)
• Calories: 70
• Fat: Low
• Sugar: Moderate
• Sodium: High (like most sauces here)

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Teriyaki Chicken (obviously!)
• Fried Rice
• Any grilled meats
• Even Beijing Beef if you want something different

My Opinion: This is one of the best sauces at Panda Express! Its not super sweet like some others, and it goes with basically everything. Plus, its one of the only sauces they actually sell in bottles at grocery stores, which is pretty cool.

2. Sweet and Sour Sauce

What It Tastes Like: This one’s a classic! Its tangy, sweet, and has a tiny bit of fruity flavor from the vinegar. The texture is smooth and not too sticky.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 1.8 oz
• Calories: 80
• Fat: 0g (no fat at all!)
• Sugar: About 18-20g (pretty high)
• Sodium: Moderate

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Egg Rolls (this is the best combo ever)
• Cream Cheese Rangoons
• Fried Rice
• Any appetizers really
• Sweet and Sour Chicken (if your location has it)

Fun Fact: Sweet and Sour sauce has been at Panda Express since they opened in 1983! Its like one of there original sauces.

My Opinion: Everyone knows this sauce. Its not super unique but its perfect for dipping appetizers. I definately use this one alot when I get egg rolls.

3. Chili Sauce (Spicy!)

What It Tastes Like: This sauce is spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet. It has a real kick of heat and tastes similar to Sriracha but with Panda Express’s special flavor.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 0.2 oz (small packet)
• Calories: 10 (super low!)
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: About 100-150mg

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Chow Mein (trust me on this)
• Fried Rice
• Orange Chicken (if you want it spicier)
• Kung Pao Chicken (makes it even spicier!)
• Basically any dish you want to add heat to

Warning: This sauce is actually spicy! If you cant handle heat, start with just a little bit. Don’t pour it all over your food like I did the first time…

My Opinion: I love adding this to my Orange Chicken because honestly Orange Chicken isn’t spicy at all and sometimes you need that kick. Just be careful not to use too much!

4. Soy Sauce

What It Tastes Like: Salty, savory, and full of umami. Panda Express’s soy sauce is actually saltier than regular store-bought soy sauce, which makes it really flavorful.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: Small packet
• Calories: Very low (around 5-10)
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: HIGH (like 500-600mg per packet)

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Fried Rice (the classic combo)
• Chow Mein
• Any rice or noodle dish
• Vegetables
• Teriyaki Chicken

My Opinion: You can never go wrong with soy sauce! Its pretty basic but its a staple for a reason. Just don’t use too much because its really salty.

5. Potsticker Sauce

What It Tastes Like: This sauce is made specifically for potstickers (dumplings). Its got a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and some spices. Its tangy, savory, and a little bit sweet.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 0.4 oz (bigger packet than most)
• Calories: 10
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 290mg

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Chicken Potstickers (duh!)
• Fried Rice
• Chow Mein
• Spring Rolls

Fun Fact: This sauce contains wheat and soy, so if your allergic to those, you cant have it.

My Opinion: This is an underrated sauce! Most people only use it for potstickers but its actually really good on other stuff too. I like it on Chow Mein sometimes.

6. Hot Mustard

What It Tastes Like: Super spicy and pungent! This isn’t like regular yellow mustard – its Chinese hot mustard which means its got a strong, nose-clearing heat to it.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 0.25 oz (small packet)
• Calories: 10
• Fat: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 115mg

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Egg Rolls
• Cream Cheese Rangoons
• Spring Rolls
• Any fried appetizers

Warning: This stuff is NO JOKE. If you dont like spicy food or strong flavors, skip this one. It’ll make your nose burn in a good way (if your into that).

My Opinion: I honestly think Hot Mustard is an acquired taste. Some people love it, some people hate it. I like mixing it with Sweet and Sour sauce to make it less intense!

7. Plum Sauce

What It Tastes Like: Sweet and fruity with a hint of tartness. Its made from plums (obviously) and has a really unique flavor thats different from all the other sauces.

Nutritional Info:

• Serving size: 0.25 oz
• Calories: 15
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 55mg (lowest sodium!)

Best Dishes to Pair With:

• Egg Rolls
• Spring Rolls
• Appetizers
• Fried Rice
• Teriyaki Chicken

Fun Fact: Plum sauce is really popular in traditional Chinese cuisine and is usually served with duck or pork.

My Opinion: This is probably the least popular sauce at Panda Express, but I actually think its pretty good! Its way different than the other sauces and adds a nice sweet flavor without being too sugary.

Are Panda Express Sauces Free?

YES! All the sauces at Panda Express are completely free when you order food. You don’t have to pay extra for them. Just ask for whatever sauces you want when your ordering, and they’ll give them to you.

How to Get Sauces:

• In-store: Just ask the person at the counter for whatever sauces you want
• Drive-thru: Tell them which sauces you want when your ordering
• Online/App: Theres usually a section where you can add sauces to your order
• Delivery: Most delivery apps let you add sauces in the special instructions

Pro tip: Don’t be shy about asking for multiple sauces! Some people get like 5 different sauces to try different combinations. The workers don’t care, trust me.

Can You Buy Panda Express Sauces at Stores?

Good news – YES! Panda Express sells some of there sauces in bottles at grocery stores! You can find them at:

• Walmart
• Target
• Kroger
• H-E-B
• Smart & Final
• Most major grocery chains

Which Sauces Are Available: The bottled sauces you can buy include:

• Orange Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 20.75 oz)
• Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 20.5 oz)
• Sweet and Sour Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 19.8 oz)
• Kung Pao Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 18.75 oz)
• Sweet Chili Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 20.75 oz)
• Honey Sesame Sauce ($4.48 – $4.99 for 20.2 oz)
• Beijing Sauce Sweet & Tangy ($4.48 – $4.99)
• Honey Walnut Sauce ($4.99 for 17 oz)

So basically, all the popular sauces except for the small packet ones like Hot Mustard and Plum Sauce. This is awesome if you want to make Panda Express-style food at home!

Nutritional Comparison (Sauce Rankings)

Here’s how the sauces stack up if your watching calories or trying to eat healthy:

Lowest Calorie Sauces:

1. Chili Sauce – 10 calories
2. Potsticker Sauce – 10 calories
3. Hot Mustard – 10 calories
4. Plum Sauce – 15 calories

Highest Calorie Sauces:

1. Sweet and Sour Sauce – 80 calories
2. Teriyaki Sauce – 70 calories

Lowest Sodium:

1. Plum Sauce – 55mg
2. Hot Mustard – 115mg
3. Chili Sauce – 100-150mg

Highest Sodium:

1. Soy Sauce – 500-600mg
2. Potsticker Sauce – 290mg

Lowest Sugar:

1. Chili Sauce – 0g
2. Hot Mustard – 0g
3. Soy Sauce – 0g

Highest Sugar:

1. Sweet and Sour Sauce – 18-20g
2. Teriyaki Sauce – Moderate (about 12-15g)
3. Plum Sauce – 3g

If your trying to eat healthy, stick with Chili Sauce, Potsticker Sauce, or Hot Mustard. There all under 15 calories and pretty low in sugar!

Best Sauce Combinations (Mix and Match!)

Ok so here’s where it gets fun. You don’t have to just use one sauce! Alot of people mix sauces together to create new flavors. Here are some combinations I’ve tried:

Sweet and Spicy Mix:

Sweet and Sour + Chili Sauce

• Perfect for: Orange Chicken, Egg Rolls, anything fried
• Ratio: 2 parts Sweet and Sour, 1 part Chili

Asian BBQ Style:

Teriyaki + Soy Sauce

• Perfect for: Fried Rice, Chow Mein, Grilled Chicken
• Ratio: Equal parts

Spicy Kick:

Potsticker Sauce + Hot Mustard

• Perfect for: Dumplings, Spring Rolls
• Ratio: 3 parts Potsticker, 1 part Hot Mustard (Hot Mustard is intense!)

Sweet and Tangy:

Sweet and Sour + Plum Sauce

• Perfect for: Egg Rolls, Appetizers
• Ratio: Equal parts

The Everything Mix:

Teriyaki + Sweet and Sour + a tiny bit of Chili

• Perfect for: When you can’t decide what you want
• Ratio: 2 parts Teriyaki, 2 parts Sweet and Sour, 1 part Chili

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The worst that can happen is you don’t like it and you just get a new sauce.

What Sauce Goes With What Entree?

If your new to Panda Express or just want some guidance, here’s my recommendations for what sauces go best with each entree:

Orange Chicken:

• Best: Chili Sauce (adds spice)
• Also good: Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Skip: Hot Mustard (too strong)

Beijing Beef:

• Best: Teriyaki Sauce
• Also good: Chili Sauce
• Skip: Sweet and Sour (Beijing Beef is already sweet)

Kung Pao Chicken:

• Best: Soy Sauce
• Also good: Teriyaki Sauce, Chili Sauce (if you want MORE spice)
• Skip: Sweet and Sour (clashes with the peanuts)

Broccoli Beef:

• Best: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce
• Also good: Chili Sauce
• Skip: Sweet and Sour (doesn’t match)

Teriyaki Chicken:

• Best: Extra Teriyaki Sauce (you can never have too much!)
• Also good: Soy Sauce
• Skip: Sweet and Sour

Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• Best: Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Also good: Plum Sauce
• Skip: Chili Sauce, Hot Mustard (too spicy for this dish)

String Bean Chicken:

• Best: Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce
• Also good: Chili Sauce
• Skip: Sweet and Sour

Mushroom Chicken:

• Best: Teriyaki Sauce
• Also good: Soy Sauce, Chili Sauce
• Skip: Sweet and Sour

For Appetizers:

• Egg Rolls: Sweet and Sour, Hot Mustard
• Cream Cheese Rangoons: Sweet and Sour, Plum Sauce
• Spring Rolls: Sweet and Sour, Plum Sauce
• Potstickers: Potsticker Sauce (obviously), Soy Sauce

For Sides:

• Fried Rice: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Chili Sauce
• Chow Mein: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Chili Sauce
• Super Greens: Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce

Allergen Information for Sauces

This is important if you or someone you know has allergies! Here’s what each sauce contains:

Contains Wheat:

• Teriyaki Sauce ✓
• Soy Sauce ✓
• Potsticker Sauce ✓

Contains Soy:

• Teriyaki Sauce ✓
• Sweet and Sour Sauce ✓
• Chili Sauce ✓
• Soy Sauce ✓ (obviously)
• Potsticker Sauce ✓

Contains Sesame:

• Teriyaki Sauce ✓ (some recipes)

Allergy-Safe(r) Options:

• Plum Sauce (no major allergens)
• Hot Mustard (contains mustard, but no wheat/soy/nuts)

Remember: Even though some sauces don’t contain certain allergens, Panda Express prepares everything on shared equipment. So there’s always a risk of cross-contamination. If you have severe allergies, definitely talk to the manager before ordering!

Making Your Own Panda Express-Style Sauces at Home

Want to make your own versions? Here are some simple recipies!

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp mirin (or white wine)
• 1 tsp ginger (fresh or powder)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)

Instructions:

1. Mix everything except cornstarch in a pan
2. Heat on medium until it starts to bubble
3. Mix cornstarch with a little water
4. Add to the sauce and stir until it thickens
5. Let it cool and your done!

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a pot
2. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves
3. Keep stirring until it thickens
4. Let it cool

Homemade Chili Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Sriracha
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix everything together
2. Taste and adjust spice level
3. Store in fridge

These are super easy and actually taste pretty close to the real thing! Plus, you can adjust them to your taste.

Tips and Tricks for Using Panda Express Sauces

Here’s some tips I’ve learned over the years:

1. Ask for Sauce on the Side Instead of pouring sauce all over your food, get it on the side so you can control how much you use. This is especially good if your trying to watch calories or sodium.

2. Don’t Overdo It More sauce doesn’t always mean better. Start with a little bit and add more if you need it. You can always add more but you cant take it away!

3. Use Sauce as a Dipping Sauce Sometimes dipping is better than pouring. Try dipping your bites instead of covering everything in sauce. It makes the flavors more balanced.

4. Mix Sauces Before Adding If your gonna mix sauces, do it in a separate container first. That way you can taste it and adjust before putting it on your food.

5. Save Extra Packets If you order online or delivery and they give you extra sauce packets, save them! They last for months and you can use them later. I keep a drawer full of Panda Express sauces lol.

6. Use Sauces on Non-Panda Food These sauces aren’t just for Panda Express! Use them on:

• Homemade stir fry
• Chicken nuggets
• French fries
• Pizza (trust me, Teriyaki on pizza is good)
• Sandwiches
• Whatever you want!

7. Check Expiration Dates If you buy bottled sauces or save packets, check the expiration dates. Most packets last about 1-2 years unopened, but bottled sauces should be used within a few months after opening.

Common Questions About Panda Express Sauces

Q: How many sauce packets can I get for free? A: Theres no official limit! Most people get 2-4 packets and thats totally normal. If you want more, just ask. Some locations might give you a weird look if you ask for like 20 packets, but they’ll probably still give them to you.

Q: Do all Panda Express locations have the same sauces? A: Yes! All locations should have the same seven sauces. Sometimes they might run out of one temporarily, but they all carry the same ones.

Q: Can I buy just sauces without ordering food? A: Technically no. The sauce packets are meant to come with food orders. But if you buy the bottled sauces at grocery stores, you don’t need to order anything!

Q: What’s the most popular sauce? A: Probably Sweet and Sour sauce! Its the classic that everyone knows. But Teriyaki and Chili sauce are also super popular.

Q: Do the sauces have MSG? A: Panda Express says they don’t add MSG to there sauces, but some ingredients (like soy sauce) naturally contain small amounts of MSG. So technically MSG-free, but not 100%.

Q: Are any sauces vegetarian or vegan? A: Most of them are! Plum Sauce, Sweet and Sour, Chili Sauce, and Soy Sauce are usually vegetarian/vegan. But always check with your location because recipes can vary.

Q: What sauce is best for kids? A: Sweet and Sour sauce is probably the safest bet for kids. Its mild and not spicy at all. Teriyaki sauce is also good. Avoid Hot Mustard and Chili Sauce for kids unless they can handle spice!

Q: Can I order extra sauce online? A: Yes! When you order through the app or website, theres usually a place where you can add sauces to your order. You can also add it in the special instructions.

Q: How long do sauce packets last? A: Unopened packets can last 1-2 years if stored properly (cool, dry place). Once opened, use them within a few hours or refrigerate and use within a few days.

Q: What’s the difference between Potsticker Sauce and Soy Sauce? A: Potsticker Sauce is sweeter and has more flavor. Its basically soy sauce mixed with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Soy sauce is just straight soy sauce with no additions.

My Personal Sauce Rankings

Ok so here’s my honest opinion on all seven sauces, ranked from best to worst:

1. Teriyaki Sauce ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The best! Its versatile, tastes amazing, and goes with almost everything. Plus you can buy it in bottles at stores!

2. Sweet and Sour Sauce ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Classic for a reason. Perfect for appetizers and tastes exactly how it should.

3. Chili Sauce ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great if you like spice. Low calories too! Only reason its not higher is because not everyone likes spicy food.

4. Soy Sauce ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Its soy sauce. You cant go wrong with it. Maybe a bit boring but definitely reliable.

5. Potsticker Sauce ⭐⭐⭐ Really good with dumplings but I don’t use it much on other stuff. Still worth getting if you order potstickers!

6. Plum Sauce ⭐⭐⭐ Unique and tasty but not as versatile as the others. Good if you want something different!

7. Hot Mustard ⭐⭐ This ones last for me because its just SO intense. I know some people love it, but I think its a bit too strong. Good mixed with other sauces though!

Remember, this is just MY opinion! Your rankings might be completely different and thats ok. Everyone has different tastes.

The History of Panda Express Sauces

This is actually pretty interesting! Panda Express was founded in 1983, and they’ve had sauces since the very beginning. Sweet and Sour sauce was one of the original sauces they offered because its such a classic Chinese-American flavor.

Over the years, they added more sauces based on customer feedback and popular demand. Teriyaki sauce became super popular in the 1990s, and Chili sauce was added for people who wanted more spice.

The fact that they started selling bottled sauces in grocery stores shows how popular there sauces became! People wanted to use them at home, not just at the resturant. Now you can find Panda Express sauces in most major grocery chains, which is pretty cool.

Final Thoughts

So thats everything I know about Panda Express sauces! To sum it all up:

• Panda Express has 7 different sauces and there all free
• Teriyaki and Sweet and Sour are the most popular
• You can buy bottled versions at grocery stores for $4-5
• Chili Sauce and Hot Mustard are the spicy options
• Mixing sauces is encouraged and fun!
• Most sauces are pretty low in calories except Sweet and Sour and Teriyaki
• All sauces are high in sodium (its just how it is)
• Don’t be afraid to ask for multiple sauces!

Weather your a Panda Express regular or just going for the first time, now you know everything about the sauces! My advice? Try all of them at least once to see what you like. Get a few different packets and test them out with different foods. You might discover a combination you love!

And remember, the workers at Panda Express don’t mind giving you extra sauce. So if you want to try three or four different ones, just ask! The sauces are honestly one of the best parts of eating at Panda Express because they let you customize your meal exactly how you want it.

Have you tried all the Panda Express sauces? Which one’s your favorite? Do you have any sauce combinations I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new ways to use these sauces.

Thanks for reading guys! Now go get yourself some Orange Chicken with extra sauce!