Satisfy Your Cravings with These Panda Express Low-Carb Choices
Are There Any Panda Express Low-Carb Options?
✅ YES! You can eat low-carb or keto at Panda Express! Focus on protein-packed entrees like String Bean Chicken Breast or Black Pepper Angus Steak. Skip the rice, noodles, and sugary sauce. Be mindful of portion sizes, even with Keto-friendly choices, to manage your macros effectively.
When you’re on a keto diet, it can be a bit tricky to find low-carb choices at fast-food chains with all those high-carb picks. But hey, Panda Express has got your back with some keto-friendly dishes for you.
By browsing the Panda Express menu, you can find hidden treasures that fit your keto goals. Let’s explore the menu for these keto-friendly options and help you make healthy choices.
Panda Express has a build-your-own meal option. Choose a protein like grilled teriyaki chicken or shrimp with veggies or super greens to customize your dish. This way, you can align your meal with your keto preferences by selecting protein-rich, low-carb options and skipping high-carb elements like rice or noodles.
By choosing wisely and using the keto-friendly options at Panda Express, you can handle fast food better on your keto journey and have satisfying meals that align with your health goals.
Table of Contents
- Panda Express Low-Carb Menu Items
- How to Customize Your Panda Express Low-Carb Order
- Tips for Eating Keto at Panda Express
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Panda Express Low-Carb Menu Items
Eating keto requires monitoring net carbs. Luckily, Panda Express offers dishes that are low in carbs, providing tasty protein and veggie options to keep you satisfied and in ketosis.
A top pick at Panda Express for keto dieters are the String Bean Chicken Breast and Grilled Asian Chicken, giving you a good mix of protein and fiber with low carbs.
Another good option is the Broccoli Beef, with beef slices and broccoli in a ginger soy sauce, a nutritious meal that fits keto guidelines.
Now, let’s look at some of the best low-carb Chinese food options at Panda Express.
1. Super Greens
Super Greens: This isn’t your average side dish. Packed with nutrient-rich kale, baby broccoli, and cabbage, it’s perfect for keto diets. The vibrant mix offers a good dose of fiber, aiding digestion and regularity, especially on a keto diet.
You can order the super greens at Panda Express as either an entrée, side dish or kid’s meal. With very few net carbs, this side dish goes well with any protein-rich main meal.
The adult side portion contains 90 calories, 2.5g total fat, 5g net carbs, 5g fiber, and 6g protein.
2. Mushroom Chicken
Craving a light but filling dish? Try Mushroom Chicken. This tasty meal has tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and slices of zucchini, all in a light ginger soy sauce. The ginger gives it a nice kick, and the soy sauce adds a rich flavor without too many carbs.
This dish shows how Panda Express cares about different diets while still keeping the taste good.
One serving contains 170 calories, 9g total fat, 8g net carbs, 1.5g fiber, and 12g protein.
3. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (without sauce)
Grilled teriyaki chicken at Panda Express is a delicious low-carb option. It features chicken breast, string beans, red bell peppers, and black pepper. Ideal for keto dieters.
If you choose it without teriyaki sauce, it will have less sugar. This makes it a good pick for anyone watching their carbs.
One order contains 299 calories, 7g total fat, 7.9g net carbs, 0.3g fiber, and 19g protein.
4. Black Pepper Angus Steak
For a tastier meal, choose the Black Pepper Angus Steak. This dish has tender slices of Angus steak cooked with green beans, red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and baby broccoli in a tasty black pepper sauce.
The black pepper sauce gives it a nice kick. The mix of vegetables also helps you get good fiber and important vitamins with your protein.
One serving contains 180 calories, 9g total fat, 8g net carbs, 1g fiber, and 12g protein.
5. Kung Pao Chicken
Try the spicy Kung Pao Chicken at Panda Express for a tasty Keto meal. This dish mixes tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, fresh zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and some hot chili peppers in mild ginger soy sauce.
The chili peppers give it some heat and help speed up your metabolism. Enjoy the crunchy peanuts with the protein-packed chicken for a balanced keto-friendly meal.
One serving contains 290 calories, 19g total fat, 12g net carbs, 2.5g fiber, and 16g protein.
6. Broccoli Beef
Broccoli Beef is a popular Chinese meal and it can be Keto-friendly if you order it the right way. This dish has tender beef and fresh broccoli cooked quickly in a tasty ginger-soy sauce.
Make sure the sauce doesn’t have sugar added to it. If you’re not sure, you can ask for the sauce to be served on the side. This way, you can decide how much to use.
One serving contains 150 calories, 7g total fat, 10g net carbs, 3.4g fiber, and 9.4g protein.
7. String Bean Chicken Breast
String Bean Chicken Breast is a great keto choice at Panda Express. This dish features the tasty chicken breast and the crunchy texture of fresh string beans. They are all mixed with a light and flavorful soy sauce.
This dish has lean protein, fiber from the vegetables, and only a little added sugar. That makes it a very good option for anyone on a ketogenic diet.
One serving contains 190 calories, 9g total fat, 10g net carbs, 2.5g fiber, and 14.5g protein.
8. Black Pepper Chicken
Enjoy the strong flavors of Black Pepper Chicken while sticking to your keto plan. This dish has juicy marinated chicken cooked with celery, red bell peppers, onions, and a tasty black pepper sauce.
The black pepper sauce gives it a rich flavor and some spice, while the veggies add important vitamins and fiber.
One serving contains 280 calories, 19.6g total fat, 11g net carbs, 2g fiber, and 13g protein.
How to Customize Your Panda Express Low-Carb Order
Ordering keto at Panda Express might feel tricky initially. Yet, by making smart changes, you can transform your meal into a keto-friendly delight.
With easy swaps and requesting tweaks, you can relish Panda Express flavors while staying true to your diet.
Here are some tips to help you easily navigate the menu.
Opt for Steamed Vegetables Instead of Rice or Noodles
One easy way to make your Panda Express meal Keto-friendly is to switch the rice or noodles for steamed vegetables. Rice and noodles have a lot of carbohydrates, which can take you out of ketosis quickly.
Try a side of Super Greens instead. You can also ask for more steamed vegetables like broccoli, string beans, or mixed veggies. This simple change will lower your carb intake and increase your fiber and nutrients.
Request Sauce on the Side to Control Sugar Intake
Some sauces at Panda Express may look safe, but they often have hidden sugars. These sugars can ruin your keto diet. To manage your sugar intake, ask for all sauces on the side.
This means soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and any other sauces you might want. When you have the sauce on the side, you can put a small amount on your meal for flavor. This way, you can avoid too many carbs.
Tips for Eating Keto at Panda Express
Navigating the Panda Express low-carb menu is not just about picking the meals with the least carbs. You also need to consider some other tips to feel sure about your choices.
Here are some useful tips to help you make smart decisions and enjoy a tasty, Keto-friendly meal at Panda Express.
Avoid Hidden Carbs
The key foods to avoid at Panda Express or any Asian restaurant are carb-heavy items like rice, noodles, egg rolls, and fried meats. Don’t overlook the high sugar content in the sauces either.
While some menu items at Panda Express may seem keto-friendly, it’s important to watch out for hidden carbs. These carbs can add up fast and interfere with your goals.
For instance, certain sauces, marinades, and breading may have extra sugars or starch. To dodge these hidden carbs, ask about the ingredients or order your meal without sauce or breading.
Practice Portion Control
The Keto-friendly choices at Panda Express let you have a tasty meal without adding too many carbs. However, it’s important to control your portion sizes. It’s easy to lose control when you really want your favorite foods.
Even with low-carb options, eating too many calories can be bad for your weight goals. Pay attention to how much you serve yourself. You might think about sharing a dish with a friend or saving some for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Have the Orange Chicken on a Keto Diet?
Orange Chicken is not good for a keto diet. The sweet sauce has a lot of sugar, which means it has high total carbs. This doesn’t fit with a ketogenic diet. It’s better to look for other menu items that are more keto-friendly.
What can a diabetic Eat at Panda Express?
For diabetics eating at Panda Express, choose wisely to control blood sugar. Go for protein-rich, low-carb options and skip sugary sauces and carb-heavy sides like rice and noodles. Opt for mixed veggies or super greens to balance your meal with fewer carbs. Keep portions in check and cut down on sauces to manage glucose levels effectively.
What is the Healthiest Food Item at Panda Express?
The healthiest food item at Panda Express is the Super Greens side, a mix of kale, broccoli, and cabbage. This dish is nutrient-dense, low in calories, and packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthily. Pairing it with a lean protein option like grilled chicken can create a balanced, nutritious meal that’s low in carbs and saturated fats.
Final Thoughts
When following a low-carb diet and navigating the Panda Express keto menu, it’s essential to do more than simply opt for low-carb meals. For a tasty, keto-friendly meal at Panda Express, choose high-protein options like grilled chicken or beef. They’ll keep you full and satisfied while sticking to your Keto diet.
Avoid breaded items and sugary sauces. Skip sugary sauces to prevent carb overload. Add non-starchy veggies for fiber and nutrients without derailing keto goals. Ask for substitutions to match dietary needs, like extra veggies instead of rice or noodles.
Savor each bite slowly to appreciate flavors and textures, preventing overeating and staying within your macros. Hydrate with water or unsweetened drinks and avoid sugary options that spike blood sugar.
By applying these tips when navigating the Panda Express keto menu, you can enjoy a satisfying dining experience while sticking to your diet.
Find more keto fast food options on our blog.