What To Know
- During the cooking process, the chicken is coated in the tempura batter and deep-fried.
- Based on the ingredient analysis, cooking process, and official statement from Panda Express, it is clear that Orange Chicken from Panda Express does contain gluten.
- Is the Orange Sauce in Orange Chicken from Panda Express gluten-free.
Orange chicken is a beloved dish from Panda Express, known for its crispy exterior and sweet and tangy sauce. But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the question arises: does orange chicken from Panda Express have gluten? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the ingredients and cooking process to provide a definitive answer.
Ingredients Analysis
The Orange Chicken entree from Panda Express contains the following ingredients:
- Chicken
- Orange Sauce (water, sugar, vinegar, orange juice concentrate, modified cornstarch, salt, soy sauce [wheat, soybeans], garlic powder, onion powder, natural flavors, yeast extract, citric acid, orange oil, caramel color, disodium inosinate and guanylate)
- Tempura Batter (wheat flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, baking powder, natural flavors, spices)
Gluten-Containing Ingredients
The key gluten-containing ingredients in Orange Chicken from Panda Express are:
- Wheat flour in the tempura batter
- Soy sauce in the orange sauce
Cooking Process and Cross-Contamination
During the cooking process, the chicken is coated in the tempura batter and deep-fried. This batter contains wheat flour, which is a significant source of gluten. Additionally, the orange sauce is prepared using soy sauce, which also contains gluten.
The cooking process may also pose a risk of cross-contamination. Panda Express restaurants use shared cooking equipment and utensils, which could transfer gluten from other gluten-containing dishes to the Orange Chicken.
Official Statement from Panda Express
Panda Express has officially acknowledged that their Orange Chicken entree does contain gluten. They recommend that customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease avoid this dish.
Alternative Gluten-Free Options
For gluten-free patrons, Panda Express offers the following gluten-free options:
- Steamed Rice
- Chow Mein
- Brown Rice
- Super Greens
- Kung Pao Chicken (without the crispy coating)
- Beijing Beef (without the crispy coating)
- Firecracker Shrimp (without the crispy coating)
Recommendations for Customers with Gluten Sensitivities
Customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease are advised to:
- Avoid Orange Chicken from Panda Express.
- Inform the restaurant staff about their dietary restrictions.
- Choose from the gluten-free options listed above.
- Be cautious of potential cross-contamination.
Summary: Unlocking the Gluten Truth
Based on the ingredient analysis, cooking process, and official statement from Panda Express, it is clear that Orange Chicken from Panda Express does contain gluten. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid this dish and consider the available gluten-free alternatives.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Is the Orange Sauce in Orange Chicken from Panda Express gluten-free?
A: No, the Orange Sauce contains soy sauce, which includes gluten.
Q: What are the specific gluten-containing ingredients in the Tempura Batter?
A: The Tempura Batter contains wheat flour, which is a significant source of gluten.
Q: Does Panda Express use dedicated gluten-free cooking equipment?
A: Panda Express uses shared cooking equipment, which poses a risk of cross-contamination.
Q: Can I order Orange Chicken from Panda Express and request that it be made gluten-free?
A: No, Panda Express does not offer a gluten-free version of Orange Chicken.
Q: Are there any other gluten-free dishes I can order from Panda Express besides the ones listed above?
A: Yes, Panda Express also offers side dishes such as Spring Rolls (without the dipping sauce) and Edamame.
