Panda Express is a well-known fast-food chain that specializes in American-Chinese cuisine. One of their most popular dishes is the Teriyaki Chicken. This dish is loved for its savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor profile. But what exactly goes into making this delicious dish? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the ingredients used in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what makes this dish so special.
The Primary Ingredients
Chicken
The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken. Panda Express uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their Teriyaki Chicken. Chicken thighs are preferred over chicken breasts because they are more flavorful and remain juicy even after cooking. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat and ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a fundamental ingredient in teriyaki sauce. It provides the dish with its signature salty and umami flavor. Panda Express uses a high-quality soy sauce that is brewed traditionally, ensuring a rich and complex flavor. The soy sauce is also a key component in the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Sugar
Sugar is another essential ingredient in teriyaki sauce. It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. Panda Express uses granulated sugar, which dissolves easily in the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy texture. The sugar also helps to caramelize the chicken during cooking, giving it a beautiful golden-brown color.
Mirin
Mirin is a type of Japanese sweet rice wine that is commonly used in teriyaki sauce. It adds a subtle sweetness and a slight tanginess to the dish. Mirin also helps to tenderize the chicken and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Panda Express uses a high-quality mirin that is brewed naturally, ensuring an authentic taste.
Garlic
Garlic is a key aromatic ingredient in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. It adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. The garlic is typically minced or finely chopped, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the sauce and infuse the chicken with its distinct flavor.
Ginger
Ginger is another aromatic ingredient that is commonly used in teriyaki sauce. It adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sauce. Ginger also has natural tenderizing properties, helping to make the chicken more succulent. Panda Express uses fresh ginger, which is grated or finely chopped to ensure that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in the teriyaki sauce. It helps to create a smooth and glossy texture, ensuring that the sauce clings to the chicken. Cornstarch is also used to coat the chicken before cooking, helping to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Water
Water is used to dilute the soy sauce and mirin, ensuring that the teriyaki sauce is not too salty or overpowering. It also helps to create the right consistency for the sauce, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly. Panda Express uses filtered water to ensure that the sauce is clean and free from any impurities.
The Cooking Process
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is marinating the chicken. The chicken thighs are cut into bite-sized pieces and then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. The chicken is typically marinated for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left in the marinade for several hours for a more intense flavor.
Coating the Chicken with Cornstarch
After marinating, the chicken pieces are coated with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior when the chicken is cooked, while also thickening the sauce. The chicken is typically tossed in cornstarch until it is evenly coated, ensuring that each piece has a light and crispy crust.
Cooking the Chicken
The chicken is then cooked in a hot skillet or wok until it is golden brown and crispy. The high heat helps to seal in the juices, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and tender on the inside. Once the chicken is cooked, it is set aside while the teriyaki sauce is prepared.
Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is made by combining soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, and water in a saucepan. The mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered until it thickens. The cornstarch that was used to coat the chicken also helps to thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy texture. Once the sauce has thickened, the cooked chicken is added back to the skillet and tossed in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
Serving the Teriyaki Chicken
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is typically served over a bed of steamed white rice. The dish is garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a touch of color and flavor. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is both sweet and savory, with a perfect balance of flavors.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
A typical serving of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size. The dish is relatively high in protein, with around 20-25 grams per serving, making it a good option for those looking to increase their protein intake. The dish also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar in the teriyaki sauce and the rice it is served with. The fat content is relatively low, with most of the fat coming from the chicken thighs.
Sodium Content
One thing to be aware of when consuming Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is the sodium content. The soy sauce used in the teriyaki sauce is high in sodium, and a single serving of the dish can contain upwards of 1,000 milligrams of sodium. This is nearly half of the recommended daily intake of sodium for an average adult. If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to enjoy this dish in moderation or opt for a lower-sodium soy sauce.
Vitamins and Minerals
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken also provides a range of vitamins and minerals. The chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin and vitamin B6, which are important for energy metabolism and brain function. The garlic and ginger used in the dish also provide a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to support overall health.
Customization And Variations
Adding Vegetables
While the traditional Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is made with just chicken and teriyaki sauce, you can easily customize the dish by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are all great options that can add color, texture, and additional nutrients to the dish. Simply stir-fry the vegetables along with the chicken, or add them to the teriyaki sauce as it simmers.
Using Different Proteins
If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can also make this dish with other proteins. Beef, pork, and tofu are all great alternatives that can be used in place of chicken. The cooking process remains the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.
Adjusting the Sweetness
The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar or mirin used. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit more sugar or even a splash of honey to the sauce.
Conclusion
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is loved by many. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet mirin, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. By understanding the ingredients and the cooking process, you can recreate this dish at home and even customize it to suit your preferences.
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