Panda Express Fried Rice (copycat, gluten-free) (2024)

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5 from 3 votes

This Panda Express fried rice recipe is a quick, affordable, and yummy side dish great for students, busy families, and singles! Enjoy the taste and textures of one of your favorite vegetarian takeout dishes made healthier at home.

This recipe makes healthy swaps like better cooking oil, less sodium, more veggies, and options for a gluten-free sauce—plus it’s ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep! Pair it with my Panda Express honey sesame chicken for a full takeout experience!

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Ingredients

This copycat recipe for Panda Express fried rice is an affordable, family-friendly side that uses simple ingredients to build great flavor and texture with fewer calories. While there are no gluten-free options at Panda, I provide suggestions to make this fried rice from Panda Express gluten free, too!

• Jasmine rice: I use my air fryer rice cooked the day before and cooled. Just like Panda Express, we use Jasmine rice. You can use any medium or long grain rice for this dish.
• Large eggs: While you could omit the eggs to make this vegetarian Panda fried rice vegan, they are a classic fried rice ingredient. I suggest using them!
• Coarse sea salt
• sh*take mushroom bullion: This is my personal touch to add umami flavor to this recipe. You can also use chicken bouillon or a touch of MSG (the restaurant uses MSG). Or skip it.
• Garlic powder and white pepper: These ingredients add an authentic Chinese takeout flavor to the dish. These are my flavor additions to this recipe, so you can omit them if you prefer.
• Light soy sauce: For a gluten free Panda Express sauce, substitute with coconut aminos (or see substitutions below for more options.
• Dark soy sauce: Adds a rich color to the sauce. You can also substitute this for one of the gluten-free alternatives below.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds an authentic Chinese takeout flavor to the sauce.
• Coconut brown sugar: Or use Keto brown sugar. This ingredient is optional for a sweeter sauce. If you use coconut aminos, you can omit any sweetener from the sauce.
• Avocado oil: A neutral-flavored oil great for high-heat cooking. You can also use peanut oil.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: We used frozen peas and carrots.
• Green onion: Diced for a garnish.

Substitutions and variations

• Gluten-free soy sauces: There is no Panda Express gluten free menu, but using Lee Kum Kee’s gluten-free light and dark soy sauces makes many of their menu items more accessible.
• Rice types: Medium or long-grain white rice are the best options. You could also use short grain rice, but you have to cook it perfectly in a rice cooker as it has more starch.
• Other vegetables: Any bite-sized veggies will do! Corn kernels, diced green beans, or diced broccoli are great options for added nutrition and fiber.
• More proteins: Add cooked and diced chicken, beef, shrimp, turkey, or tofu. See my steak fried rice or turkey fried rice for tips on incorporating meat.
• No mushroom bouillon: You can use chicken bouillon or simply leave it out. The dish will still be packed with flavor, especially with the addition of salt, garlic powder, and white pepper.

How to make Panda Express fried rice

This fried rice Panda Express recipe comes together in just 15 minutes total time! Using rice cooked and cooled in advance ensures you get a great, crisp texture and maximum flavor on every grain of rice. The stir-frying process is fast, so be sure to prep your ingredients before cooking.

1. Prep the rice, eggs, spices, and sauce. Set cooked rice aside in a bowl. Whisk the eggs, mix the dry spices, and combine the sauce ingredients in separate bowls.
2. Cook the eggs. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add beaten eggs and gently stir to make soft scrambled eggs (about 10 seconds) then transfer the eggs out.

3. Stir-fry the rice. Add the rice to the pan little by little while using your hands to gently separate the rice grains. Turn the heat up to medium-high and use a wooden spoon or spatula to toss the grains in a scooping motion. You should hear sizzling from the pan.
4. Season the rice. When the rice is dry (the grains will start popping), add the frozen vegetables and the seasoning mixture. Toss for 10 seconds.
5. Mix in the sauce. Turn the heat up to high, push the rice mixture to the side, and add the sauce ingredients to the center of the pan. Fold the rice and veggies in to coat with the sauce.
6. Finish and serve. Return the eggs to the pan, breaking them up with a spatula. Turn off the heat. Transfer to a large serving plate. Garnish with green onions. Serve warm.

Tips for the best homemade fried rice

Choosing the Right Rice:

• Best Rice Types: Medium-grain or long-grain white rice like jasmine are ideal for this Panda Express rice recipe. They’re less starchy, preventing clumping.
• Short-Grain White Rice: It’s more prone to clumping but can work well if prepared correctly. Check out our guide on how to cook white rice in a rice cooker and Din tai fung shrimp and egg fried rice recipe.

Prevent Rice Clumping:

• Chill Your Rice: Use day-old rice, cooled to room temperature then refrigerate overnight. This reduces moisture, making the grains harder and less likely to stick together.
• Add Rice Gradually: Gently separate chilled rice grains with your hands and sprinkle them into the hot pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.

Cooking Tips:

• Al Dente Texture: Cook the fresh rice to a slightly firm texture with distinct grains.
• Avoid Freshly Cooked Rice: It’s too moist for stir-frying.
• Proper Stir-Frying: Use a large non-stick pan or wok and stir-fry with a scooping motion to keep grains intact.

How to make ahead, store, and reheat

This quick and easy fried rice is best enjoyed fresh! To ensure the best texture, you so want to cook your rice a day in advance and let it cool. You can also prep all of the sauce, seasoning, and veggie ingredients before you start cooking.

• Make ahead: For best results, cook and cool the rice the day before. Spread it out to let cool and then refrigerate it. Don’t smash the rice grains.
• Storage: Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or store for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Reheat: In a microwave or stir fry on a stovetop over medium-high heat until warmed through.

What to serve it with

This gluten-free version of Panda Express vegetarian fried rice is a perfect side dish for any meal. You can easily add meat to enjoy a beef, shrimp, or chicken fried rice dinner. Or pair with any of your favorite Asian takeout dishes for a larger meal.

• Soups and sides: Like this wonton egg drop soup, rice paper egg rolls, Panda Express super greens, broccoli with garlic sauce, or a simple bok choy stir fry.
• Protein dishes: Try my black pepper Angus steak Panda Express recipe, Panda Express orange chicken, or this yummy Chinese black pepper chicken.
• Noodles: Add some variety to your spread with my Cantonese chow mein in a Hong Kong-style sauce or this House Special chow mein with chicken and shrimp.

Umami Tips

• Day-Old, Chilled Rice Is Key: Use rice that has been cooled to room temperature and then refrigerated overnight. This reduces moisture and prevents clumping.
• Choose the Right Rice: Opt for jasmine rice or medium-grain Asian rice for their less starchy qualities, which help keep grains separate.
• Cook Rice Al Dente for Short-Grain Varieties: If using short-grain, cook it al dente a day in advance and refrigerate.
• Opt for the Right Pan: Use a large non-stick pan, a well-seasoned wok, or any pan that has a broad open surface with high walls to prevent rice from spilling out during the cooking process.
• Gradually Add Rice to the Pan: To avoid clumps, gently separate the rice grains with your hands and sprinkle them into the hot pan for even cooking.
• Scoop and Toss, Don’t Smash: Use a large non-stick pan or wok and employ a scooping motion to keep the rice fluffy.
• Maintain Consistent Heat: Keep your pan hot and at a consistent medium-high temperature to quickly cook the ingredients, ensuring the rice becomes crispy without turning mushy.
• Perfecting the Eggs: When stir-frying the eggs, gently stir to create soft scrambled eggs. Aim for a tender texture by cooking for about 10 seconds, then promptly transfer the eggs to a separate bowl and set aside.

FAQs

More Panda Express gluten free recipes

Replicating your favorite Chinese takeout at home saves money and allows you to control your ingredients for a healthier meal. Try these trending gluten-free and lower-calorie Panda Express copycat recipes for yourself!

• Panda Express honey walnut shrimp in a golden brown gluten-free tempura batter
• Panda Express mushroom chicken with juicy chicken pieces, zucchini and mushroom
• Panda Express string bean chicken with velveted chicken and a ginger garlic sauce
• Panda Express almond chicken made in the oven or the air fryer

Panda Express fried rice recipe

This Panda Express Fried Rice recipe is easy, economical, and tastes delicious with crisp rice grains & veggies.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 195kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 449mg, Potassium: 130mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 1632IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg