What is the orange sauce at Panda Express?

The orange sauce at Panda Express is a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy glaze made with orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and crushed red pepper. It’s used primarily to coat their most popular menu item—orange chicken. This signature sauce has a bold citrus punch with a sticky, caramelized finish that fans can’t get enough of.

How long is Panda Express orange sauce good for after opening?

Once opened, bottled Panda Express orange sauce is good for about 2 to 3 months when stored in the refrigerator with the cap tightly sealed. Homemade versions have a shorter shelf life—typically 7 to 10 days —due to the lack of preservatives. Always check for signs of spoilage such as changes in smell, color, or texture.

What is the sauce on Panda Express egg rolls?

Contrary to popular belief, the orange sauce isn’t served with egg rolls. Panda Express typically offers a tangy, soy-based dipping sauce or a sweet chili sauce for their egg rolls. This dipping sauce is thinner, less sweet, and designed for balancing the richness of fried appetizers, unlike the thick and sweet orange glaze.

What is the orange chicken sauce made of?

Panda Express orange chicken sauce is made with a combination of orange juice or concentrate, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar , garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. This blend creates a thick, glossy sauce that’s sweet and tangy with a touch of spice. The sauce clings beautifully to battered and fried chicken pieces for that classic takeout flavor.

How to make an orange sauce for duck?

To make a flavorful orange sauce for duck, start with fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of ginger. For a gourmet touch, add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur like Grand Marnier. Simmer until it thickens and drizzle over roasted or pan-seared duck breast. The richness of duck pairs perfectly with the bright acidity and sweetness of the sauce.

What makes Panda Express orange chicken spicy?

The mild heat in Panda Express orange sauce comes primarily from crushed red pepper flakes . This adds warmth and a gentle burn that complements the sweet and tangy citrus base. Some recipes or store-bought versions may also include chili paste or ginger to enhance the spice level without overpowering the overall flavor.

Panda Express Orange Sauce – The Best 2025 Flavor Hack You Need

Name: Homemade Panda Express Orange Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American-Chinese
Ingredients: ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Description

This sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce is inspired by the classic Panda Express favorite. Perfect for orange chicken, duck, tofu, or veggie stir-fries.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving or storing.

Notes

For a milder version, reduce or omit red pepper flakes.
This sauce pairs well with chicken, duck, tofu, shrimp, or vegetables.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
You can double the recipe for batch cooking or freeze small portions in silicone trays.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmered on stovetop
Cuisine: American-Chinese

Keywords: panda express orange sauce, orange chicken sauce, copycat Panda Express, sweet and sour glaze, homemade Asian sauce