String Bean Chicken: Panda Express' Secret Recipe?

what is in the string bean chicken at panda express

Panda Express is a fast-food chain that serves American Chinese cuisine and has over 2300 locations in the United States. One of its popular dishes is the String Bean Chicken Breast, which features tender chicken breast, green beans, and a savoury soy-based sauce. The recipe includes ingredients like chicken, green beans, onion, soybean oil, garlic, and soy sauce. The dish is stir-fried and can be customised with different vegetables and proteins. It is a quick and easy meal option that can be made healthier by reducing the oil and using fresh, high-quality produce.

Characteristics Values
Main Ingredients Chicken, String Beans, Onions
Other Ingredients Water, Soybean Oil, Dehydrated Garlic, Phosphoric Acid, Guar Gum, Corn Starch, Sodium Phosphate, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Salt, Potato Starch, Modified Food Starch, Rice Wine, Wheat, Caramel Color, Sesame Oil, Sea Salt, Brown Sugar, Natural Flavor, Yeast Extract
Allergens Chicken, Gluten, Sesame seeds, Soybeans
Nutritional Information 190 calories, 13g of carbs, 4g of fiber, 4g of sugar
Sauce Soy, Ginger, Garlic
Recipe Variations Chicken with bell peppers, Shrimp, Beef, Pork, Tofu
Vegetable Variations Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Bell Peppers

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The dish's ingredients

Panda Express is a fast-food chain that serves American Chinese cuisine. One of its dishes is the String Bean Chicken Breast, which is a stir-fried dish with chicken, string beans, and onions in a savoury soy-based sauce.

The chicken is marinated in a mixture of baking soda, salt, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance its flavour and juiciness. The chicken is then stir-fried in a wok or pan over medium-high heat until it is golden brown.

The string beans are trimmed and cut into equal-sized pieces. They are blanched in microwave-safe bowls with water for 1.5 minutes and then rinsed under room temperature water to retain their bright green colour and crisp texture. The beans are stir-fried in the wok or pan with the chicken.

The sauce is made by whisking together soy sauce, cooking wine, fermented black beans, oyster sauce, chicken powder, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil. This sauce is then added to the wok or pan and stirred until it thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients.

The dish is typically served with steamed rice or noodles, and it can be customised by adding other vegetables or proteins. It is a quick and easy meal that can be made healthier by using less oil and fresh, high-quality produce.

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How to make it

To make Panda Express String Bean Chicken, you'll need chicken, string beans or green beans, and a variety of sauces and seasonings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts, depending on your preference. If using chicken breasts, thinly slice them to ensure even cooking. In a separate bowl, prepare a marinade by combining baking soda, salt, white pepper, cooking wine or rice wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavourful it will become.

Prepare the String Beans:

Wash and trim the ends of the string beans. If you prefer crispier beans, you can blanch them for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying. Cut the beans into equal-sized sections, about ¼ to ⅛ inch thin pieces, to ensure even cooking. Set the prepared beans aside.

Mince the Aromatics:

Mince or finely chop garlic and ginger. You can adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste preference, but a generous amount of both adds a punch of flavour. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can use grated garlic and ginger instead.

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cooking wine or Shaoxing wine, fermented black beans, oyster sauce, chicken powder or broth, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside; you will add it to the wok later.

Cook the Chicken and Beans:

Heat a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. When the wok is hot, add oil and sear the chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow the chicken to cook without disturbing it until it develops a golden brown colour, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Flip the chicken pieces over and repeat on the other side. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the string beans and onions, if using. Saute the beans and onions for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine and Serve:

Return the chicken to the wok with the string beans and onions. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir well to combine. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly. Serve this dish hot, either on its own or with steamed rice or your favourite side dish. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express String Bean Chicken!

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Nutritional information

Panda Express is a fast-food restaurant chain serving American Chinese cuisine. It is the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with over 2,300 locations.

One of the healthier options on the menu is the String Bean Chicken Breast, a classic stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, string beans, and onions in a savoury soy-based sauce. The dish is gluten-free and lower in carbs, with fewer than 200 calories per 5.6 oz serving. It contains 13g of carbs, 4g of fibre, and 4g of sugar.

The recipe for the dish includes chicken breast, salt, garlic powder, baking soda, olive oil, coconut aminos, and tapioca or arrowroot starch. The ginger-garlic sauce is made with grated garlic and ginger, chicken broth or stock, coconut aminos, and sea salt. The vegetables include French petite green beans, and yellow or white onion.

The recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or healthy lunch. It can be customised with different vegetables and proteins, and can be made gluten-free by using liquid or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

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How it compares to the original

Panda Express's String Bean Chicken is a stir-fried dish with chicken, string beans, and onions in a savoury soy-based sauce. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of baking soda, salt, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The sauce is made by whisking together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, fermented black beans, oyster sauce, chicken powder, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil. The dish is then stir-fried in a wok or pan.

The copycat recipe for Panda Express's String Bean Chicken uses similar ingredients but with some variations. The chicken is sliced into thin pieces and marinated in a mixture of salt, garlic powder, baking soda, olive oil, coconut aminos, and tapioca or arrowroot starch. The green beans are trimmed and cut into equal-sized sections and microwaved with water before being rinsed and drained. The sauce is made by combining grated garlic and ginger, chicken broth or stock, coconut aminos, and sea salt. The chicken and beans are then stir-fried in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

The copycat recipe has a few key differences from the original Panda Express version. Firstly, it uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, which makes the dish gluten-free and reduces the amount of sodium. Secondly, it includes additional vegetables such as onions and bell peppers, which can be customised according to preference. The copycat recipe also recommends marinating the chicken for a longer period, up to overnight, to enhance the flavour and juiciness of the meat.

In terms of taste and texture, the copycat recipe is described as tasting even better than the original, with some claiming it to be healthier and quicker to prepare. The homemade version allows for greater customisability and control over ingredients, enabling individuals to make healthier choices by using less oil and opting for fresh, high-quality produce. It is also a more economical option, saving both time and money.

Overall, the copycat recipe for Panda Express's String Bean Chicken offers a comparable, if not superior, dining experience to the original. With its ease of preparation, customisability, and healthier ingredient options, it is a popular choice for those seeking a quick, tasty, and nourishing weeknight meal.

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How to store leftovers

Panda Express is a fast-food restaurant chain that serves American Chinese cuisine and has over 2,300 locations in the United States. One of its popular dishes is the String Bean Chicken Breast, which consists of chicken, green beans, onion, soybean oil, garlic, and a savoury soy, ginger, and garlic sauce.

Firstly, it is important to note that leftovers should be stored promptly. Ideally, you should aim to put your leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of the meal. If the food has been left out at a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it should be refrigerated within one hour.

Secondly, divide the leftovers into small portions. This will ensure that the food cools down quickly and reduces the risk of harmful bacteria growth. Store the leftovers in airtight containers to prevent the food from drying out and to avoid picking up odours from other foods in the fridge.

Leftovers can generally be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, it is important to use your best judgment and to inspect the food before consuming it. If the leftovers have developed an odd odour, texture, or appearance, it is best to discard them.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some Panda Express dishes may taste better when consumed cold. Some people even claim that their "fresh" Panda Express tasted like it was already several days old.

Finally, if you wish to keep leftovers for an extended period, you can freeze them. Freeze leftovers as soon as possible and ensure they are stored in airtight containers or freezer bags. Most leftovers can be stored in the freezer for about two to six months. Again, use your best judgment and check for any unusual changes before consuming.

Frequently asked questions

The dish contains chicken, green beans, onions, and a ginger garlic sauce. The sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, fermented black beans, oyster sauce, chicken powder, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

The dish is lower in calories and fat compared to other menu options at Panda Express. It contains 190 calories, 13g of carbs, 4g of fiber, and 4g of sugar per 5.6 oz serving.

Yes, you can recreate the string bean chicken dish at home. The recipe involves marinating chicken in a mixture of baking soda, salt, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The chicken is then stir-fried with green beans, onions, and the prepared sauce.

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