Panda Express Super Greens: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

The Evolution of a Fast-Food Favorite

The story of Panda Express Super Greens is intertwined with the larger narrative of American Chinese cuisine’s evolution over the past few decades. When Panda Express first opened its doors in the Glendale Galleria in 1983, founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the concept of “healthy fast food” was practically an oxymoron. Fast forward several decades, and the introduction of Super Greens represented a significant shift in both consumer preferences and the company’s menu strategy.

Panda Express didn’t always offer such vegetable-forward options. The chain began, like many fast-food establishments, with a focus on crowd-pleasing, indulgent dishes like Orange Chicken (created by Chef Andy Kao in 1987) that would bring customers back again and again. However, as American dining habits began to shift toward more health-conscious choices in the early 2000s, Panda Express recognized the need to adapt.

Super Greens emerged as part of Panda’s broader initiative to create more “health-forward, better-for-you dishes,” as mentioned by Chef Jimmy Wang, director of culinary innovation at Panda Restaurant Group. The dish represented a perfect balance between honoring Chinese culinary traditions while accommodating American preferences for fresher, less processed food options.

What’s particularly interesting about Super Greens is how it stands at the cultural crossroads of traditional Chinese cuisine and American health food trends. In traditional Chinese cooking, vegetables are often quickly stir-fried to preserve their nutrients and texture – a technique that aligns perfectly with modern nutritional wisdom about minimally processing foods to retain their health benefits.

The dish has become so popular that it’s now considered a staple offering at Panda Express, with many customers specifically seeking it out as a counterbalance to some of the more indulgent menu items. Its success demonstrates how American Chinese food continues to evolve, incorporating contemporary nutritional knowledge while maintaining the quick preparation and bold flavors that have made it a beloved part of American food culture.

For home cooks, replicating this dish represents more than just a tasty side – it’s a small piece of culinary history that shows how our collective food preferences have shifted toward more balanced, vegetable-forward options without sacrificing the comfort and satisfaction we seek from our favorite restaurant meals.

Creating the perfect Panda Express Super Greens copycat recipe requires fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the vibrant flavors and textures of the original. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this nutritious side dish at home:

Main Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 cups kale leaves (stems removed, roughly chopped)
• 2 cups green cabbage (roughly chopped)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ⅓ cup vegetable stock or water (for steaming)
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Optional Thickening Agent:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for a thicker sauce)

Possible Substitutions:

• Napa cabbage can replace green cabbage for a more tender texture
• Baby bok choy works well in place of cabbage
• Spinach can substitute for kale if you prefer a milder flavor
• Chicken stock can replace vegetable stock for a richer flavor
• For a spicy kick, add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For best results, use the freshest vegetables possible. Look for crisp broccoli with tight, dark green florets, vibrant kale leaves without any yellowing, and firm cabbage heads. The quality of your vegetables will significantly impact the final dish, as Panda Express prides itself on using vegetables that are prepped within three days of use.

Creating this Panda Express Super Greens copycat recipe is surprisingly quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious side dish in a hurry.

Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

The prep time includes washing, drying, and chopping all vegetables. If you purchase pre-washed, pre-cut vegetables, you can reduce your prep time to about 5 minutes.

The actual cooking process is intentionally brief to maintain the vegetables’ vibrant color, crisp-tender texture, and nutritional value. Overcooking will result in mushy vegetables that lose their bright green color and nutritional benefits.

For meal prep purposes, you can wash and chop the vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dish itself is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, though leftovers will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Successfully recreating Panda Express Super Greens at home doesn’t require specialized equipment, but having the right tools will help you achieve that restaurant-quality result. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Equipment:

• Large skillet or wok (10-12 inches) with a tight-fitting lid – The wide cooking surface allows vegetables to cook quickly and evenly without overcrowding
• Sharp chef’s knife – For efficiently chopping vegetables into uniform pieces
• Cutting board – Preferably with a juice groove to catch any liquid from the vegetables
• Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient measurements
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula – For stirring and tossing vegetables without damaging them
• Colander or strainer – For washing vegetables thoroughly
• Small bowl – For mixing cornstarch slurry if using

Alternative Equipment Options:

• If you don’t have a wok, any large, deep skillet will work well
• A Dutch oven can substitute for a large skillet if needed
• A steamer basket with a pot can be used instead of the skillet-and-lid method
• Kitchen scissors can help with cutting kale leaves from their stems
• A salad spinner is helpful for thoroughly drying washed greens

For the blanching method that Panda Express uses, you’ll also need:

• A large pot for boiling water
• A slotted spoon or spider strainer for removing vegetables quickly
• A bowl of ice water for shocking vegetables (stopping the cooking process)

While specialized tools like a wok will give you the most authentic results, this recipe is forgiving enough that you can achieve excellent results with basic kitchen equipment. The most important factors are using fresh ingredients and not overcooking the vegetables.

Creating the perfect Panda Express Super Greens copycat recipe is all about timing and technique. Follow these detailed steps to achieve that restaurant-quality result with perfectly crisp-tender vegetables and balanced flavors.

1. Prepare your vegetables. Start by washing all greens thoroughly under cold running water. For kale, remove the tough center stems and tear the leaves into roughly 2-inch pieces. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets of similar size to ensure even cooking. Roughly chop the cabbage into 1-2 inch pieces. Pat all vegetables dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare your aromatics and sauce. Mince the garlic cloves and fresh ginger. If using the optional cornstarch slurry, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out your vegetable stock and soy sauce so they’re ready to add quickly.
3. Heat your cooking vessel. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
4. Sauté the aromatics. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aromatics should sizzle gently in the oil, releasing their aroma.
5. Add vegetables in proper sequence. Start with broccoli, which takes the longest to cook. Stir for about 30 seconds to coat with the aromatic oil. Next, add the cabbage and continue stirring for another 30 seconds. Finally, add the kale on top.
6. Add liquid and steam. Pour the vegetable stock and soy sauce around the edges of the pan (not directly on the aromatics to prevent them from washing away). The liquid should immediately begin to steam.
7. Cover and steam. Quickly place the lid on your skillet or wok to trap the steam. Reduce heat to medium and allow the vegetables to steam for 3 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time as you’ll release the valuable steam.
8. Check for doneness. After 3 minutes, remove the lid and check the broccoli with a fork. It should offer slight resistance but not be completely firm. The kale should be wilted but still bright green, and the cabbage should be slightly softened but still have some crunch.
9. Finish the dish. If the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the optional sesame oil and toss everything together. If using the cornstarch slurry, push the vegetables to one side of the pan, pour the slurry into the liquid, and stir quickly as it thickens. Then toss all vegetables in the thickened sauce.
10. Final seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or soy sauce if needed. The vegetables should be vibrant green, glistening with sauce, and have a perfect crisp-tender texture.

The key visual indicator of properly cooked Super Greens is the vibrant emerald color. If your vegetables turn dull or yellowish-green, they’ve been overcooked. Success is marked by broccoli that holds its shape but can be easily pierced with a fork, kale that’s wilted but not mushy, and cabbage that still has a pleasant crunch.

Remember that residual heat will continue cooking the vegetables even after you remove them from the heat, so it’s better to slightly undercook them if you’re not serving immediately.

Understanding the nutritional profile of Panda Express Super Greens helps you make informed dietary choices while enjoying this flavorful side dish. Each serving provides an excellent balance of nutrients with minimal calories, making it a perfect complement to protein-rich entrées.

The macronutrient breakdown of Panda Express Super Greens is approximately 44% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 26% protein. This side dish is particularly notable for its high fiber content, providing 18% of your daily recommended intake in just one serving. The relatively low calorie count (90 calories) makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake while still wanting to enjoy flavorful Chinese-inspired cuisine.

For a larger serving size (10 oz), the calorie count increases to 130 calories with 14g of carbohydrates, 4g of fat, and 9g of protein, along with 7g of dietary fiber.

Panda Express Super Greens contains several allergens that sensitive individuals should be aware of before consumption. According to the official Panda Express ingredient statement, this dish contains both soy and wheat allergens. The soy comes from ingredients like dehydrated soy sauce powder, while wheat is present in some of the seasoning components.

The dish does not contain other major allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, or sesame. However, Panda Express prepares all their dishes in shared cooking equipment, so there is potential for cross-contamination with any of the major FDA allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame).

If you have severe allergies, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor about potential cross-contamination risks.

When preparing and enjoying your homemade Panda Express Super Greens, following proper food safety protocols ensures both a delicious and safe dining experience.

Vegetable Handling:

• Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cold running water before preparation, even pre-packaged ones labeled as “pre-washed”
• Use a separate cutting board for vegetables to prevent cross-contamination
• Store cut vegetables in the refrigerator if not using immediately

Temperature Control:

• Serve steamed vegetables promptly after cooking
• If storing leftovers, cool them quickly and refrigerate within two hours of cooking
• Maintain refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C)
• Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before consuming

Kitchen Safety:

• Exercise caution when working with hot oil to prevent burns
• Use proper ventilation when stir-frying to prevent smoke accumulation
• Keep pot handles turned inward on the stove to prevent accidental spills
• Use a splatter guard when stir-frying to prevent oil burns

Consumption Guidelines:

• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-5 days
• Discard any vegetables that show signs of spoilage (sliminess, unusual odor, mold)
• Be mindful of potential allergens if serving to guests with dietary restrictions

Following these safety precautions will help ensure your homemade Panda Express Super Greens are not only delicious but also safe to enjoy.

Mastering Panda Express Super Greens at home is all about technique and timing. As a culinary specialist who’s recreated countless restaurant favorites, I’ve discovered several professional insights that elevate this simple side dish to restaurant quality.

Perfect Vegetable Preparation:

• Cut broccoli florets to uniform sizes (about 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking
• Remove thick stems from kale before chopping to eliminate tough, fibrous textures
• Slice cabbage against the grain for quicker cooking and better texture absorption

Temperature Management:

• Use a truly hot wok or pan before adding oil—it should be just starting to smoke
• Add vegetables in order of cooking time (broccoli first, then cabbage, kale last)
• Keep ingredients moving constantly during the initial sauté phase to prevent burning

Flavor Enhancement:

• Split your aromatics: sauté half the garlic and ginger, then add the remaining half in the final minute of cooking for layered flavor
• For deeper umami notes, add 1/2 teaspoon of vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom powder
• Finish with a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil off the heat for aromatic complexity

Texture Control:

• Steam with the lid tightly sealed to trap moisture and create even cooking
• Test broccoli stems with a fork at the 3-minute mark—they should offer slight resistance
• Remember that vegetables continue cooking from residual heat after being removed from heat

The most common mistake home cooks make is overcooking the vegetables, which results in a mushy texture and dull color. Aim for vibrant green vegetables with a slight crunch—they should bend slightly when picked up with chopsticks but not break.

Panda Express Super Greens shines as both a complementary side dish and a nutritious base for protein-centered meals. The vibrant green medley creates a beautiful color contrast on any plate while providing a lighter counterpoint to richer dishes.

Perfect Entrée Pairings:

• Orange Chicken: The bright citrus flavors complement the earthy greens
• Beijing Beef: The sweet-savory beef balances the vegetable-forward side
• Mushroom Chicken: Creates an umami-rich, nutritionally complete meal
• Kung Pao Chicken: The spicy kick contrasts beautifully with the mild greens

Presentation Techniques:

• Serve in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors
• Arrange Super Greens as a base with protein placed on top for an Instagram-worthy plate
• Garnish with a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal and texture
• Use chopsticks to gently toss and arrange vegetables before serving for height and dimension

Temperature Considerations:

• Serve immediately after cooking for optimal texture and color
• If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the vegetables, then quickly reheat with a splash of water
• Warm the serving dish before plating to maintain temperature longer

Complete Meal Suggestions:

• Create a Panda Express-inspired bowl with Super Greens as the base, topped with your favorite protein and a small portion of chow mein
• For a lighter option, pair with steamed white rice and Mushroom Chicken
• For a family-style meal, serve Super Greens alongside Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Vegetable Spring Rolls

Remember that Super Greens is designed to complement rather than compete with more flavorful entrées, so keep additional seasonings minimal when serving as a side dish.

The beauty of Panda Express Super Greens lies in its adaptability. With a few thoughtful modifications, you can customize this versatile side dish to accommodate various dietary needs, seasonal produce availability, and flavor preferences.

Dietary Adaptations:

Keto-Friendly Version:

• Increase the oil to 3 tablespoons
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter for richness
• Include 1/4 cup chopped almonds for added healthy fats and protein

Paleo Adaptation:

• Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce
• Use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil
• Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for umami flavor

Low-Sodium Option:

• Omit added salt
• Reduce soy sauce to 1 teaspoon
• Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of honey for flavor depth

Seasonal Variations:

Spring Version:

• Replace cabbage with tender baby bok choy
• Add 1/2 cup snap peas for seasonal freshness
• Include 1/4 cup thinly sliced spring onions

Summer Adaptation:

• Incorporate 1 cup shredded zucchini
• Add 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves at the very end
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Fall/Winter Twist:

• Add 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
• Include 1/4 cup dried cranberries for sweetness
• Incorporate 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder for warmth

Regional Flavor Variations:

Sichuan-Inspired:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (toasted and ground)
• Include 1-2 dried red chilies during the sauté stage
• Finish with a drizzle of chili oil

Korean-Inspired:

• Add 1 tablespoon gochujang paste to the sauce
• Include 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for tanginess
• Garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Thai-Inspired:

• Add 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• Include 1/4 cup coconut milk during steaming
• Finish with fresh Thai basil and lime juice

When making these variations, maintain the core cooking technique of quick sautéing followed by brief steaming to preserve the vegetables’ vibrant colors, nutrients, and pleasing textures. Each variation offers a new flavor profile while honoring the simplicity and healthfulness of the original Panda Express favorite.

Properly storing and reheating your homemade Panda Express Super Greens ensures you can enjoy this nutritious side dish for several days after preparation. When stored correctly, the vegetables maintain much of their texture and flavor profile.

Refrigeration Storage:

• Allow the Super Greens to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days
• Keep the sauce in a separate container if you have extra, where it will remain fresh for about a week
• For meal prep purposes, portion into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience

Freezer Storage:

• While not ideal due to texture changes, Super Greens can be frozen if necessary
• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag laid flat to maximize space
• Label with the date and use within 1-2 months
• Always thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating

Reheating Methods:

For best results when reheating:

• Stovetop Method (Preferred): Heat a pan over high heat, add a small amount of water (about 1-2 tablespoons), add the vegetables, and stir constantly until just warmed through
• Microwave Method: Place in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed
• Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F, place vegetables in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 5-7 minutes

Remember that vegetables continue cooking from residual heat, so it’s best to slightly underheat them and allow them to finish warming naturally to avoid mushiness.

Even experienced cooks occasionally encounter challenges when preparing Panda Express Super Greens. Here are solutions to common issues that may arise during preparation:

Vegetables Too Crunchy:

• Extend the steaming time by 1-2 minutes
• Cut vegetables into smaller, more uniform pieces
• Add an extra tablespoon of water to create more steam
• Ensure your lid creates a proper seal to trap steam effectively

Vegetables Too Soft/Mushy:

• Reduce steaming time by 1-2 minutes in future preparations
• Remove the lid sooner to stop the cooking process
• Immediately transfer vegetables to a serving dish to prevent residual cooking
• Consider blanching broccoli separately before adding to the stir-fry

Sauce Too Thin:

• Create a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water)
• Push vegetables to one side of the pan, add slurry to liquid, and stir until thickened
• Simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes to reduce liquid
• Consider using less vegetable stock or water initially

Sauce Too Thick:

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable stock or water
• Stir constantly while adding liquid to prevent lumps
• Reduce or eliminate cornstarch in future preparations

Bland Flavor:

• Increase garlic and ginger quantities
• Add an additional teaspoon of soy sauce or ½ teaspoon of vegetarian oyster sauce
• Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil
• Consider adding a pinch of MSG for authentic restaurant flavor

Bitter Kale:

• Remove thick stems completely before cooking
• Massage kale leaves briefly before chopping to break down fibers
• Balance with ½ teaspoon of honey or sugar in the sauce
• Use younger, smaller kale leaves when possible

Avoiding these frequent errors will help you achieve restaurant-quality Super Greens on your first attempt:

Overcrowding the Pan:
Using a pan that’s too small forces vegetables to steam rather than stir-fry, resulting in soggy vegetables. Always use a large wok or 12-inch skillet to allow proper heat distribution.

Incorrect Cooking Order:
Adding all vegetables simultaneously leads to inconsistent textures. Always add broccoli first, followed by cabbage, then kale to account for different cooking times.

Skipping the Drying Step:
Wet vegetables create steam too quickly and prevent proper searing. Always thoroughly dry vegetables after washing to achieve the perfect texture.

Stirring Too Frequently:
Constant stirring prevents vegetables from developing slight caramelization. Allow vegetables to sit undisturbed for 30-60 seconds between stirs.

Using Low Heat:
Insufficient heat results in soggy, dull-colored vegetables. Always use medium-high to high heat for quick cooking that maintains vibrant colors and crisp textures.

Cutting Inconsistent Sizes:
Irregular vegetable pieces cook unevenly. Take time to cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

• Panda Express sells more than 285,000 orders of their famous Orange Chicken every day, which amounts to about 90 million pounds annually!
• The Super Greens side dish was introduced as part of Panda Express’s initiative to create more health-forward menu options.
• Panda Express was founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who originally had very different career paths – Andrew has a master’s in applied mathematics, while Peggy earned a PhD in electrical engineering.
• The restaurant chain has a live test kitchen called the Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, California, where they experiment with new dishes and concepts before introducing them to the wider market.
• Panda Express’s charity, Panda Cares, has raised over $107 million since 1999 for children’s hospitals, schools, and disaster relief efforts.
• The bell you hear when donating to Panda Cares symbolizes the bell that young patients ring when they get to leave Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

While our homemade version can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, the Super Greens served at Panda Express restaurants are not gluten-free. In fact, currently no items at Panda Express are certified gluten-free.

A standard 10 oz serving of Panda Express Super Greens contains approximately 130 calories, making it a low-calorie option for those watching their intake.

Yes, Panda Express Super Greens are completely vegan, containing no animal products. This makes them a great option for plant-based eaters looking for a nutritious side dish.

How much do Panda Express Super Greens cost?

Absolutely! Our copycat recipe allows you to recreate this dish at home using broccoli, kale, and cabbage, along with simple seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, and optional sesame oil.

Yes, with only 7g of carbs per serving, Panda Express Super Greens fit well into keto and low-carb diets, making them a great substitute for higher-carb sides like rice or noodles.