Hey there, fellow foodies! I recently tried Panda Express’s Sizzling Shrimp and thought I’d share my honest take on just how spicy this dish really is. If you’re wondering whether to give it a shot or if it might be too hot to handle, I’ve got you covered!
Quick Answer: Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is only mildly spicy. It’s got a subtle warmth that most people can handle, even if you’re not big on spicy food. But don’t worry – I’ll show you how to kick up the heat if that’s what you’re after!
What Makes Sizzling Shrimp Taste The Way It Does?
The dish combines several key ingredients that create its unique flavor profile
- Plump, tender shrimp (usually 4-5 per serving)
- Fresh veggies (broccoli, red bell peppers, onions)
- Red chili flakes
- Ground ginger
- Garlic
- Savory sauce blend
The Real Talk About Spiciness
Let me break it down for ya – this dish isn’t gonna set your mouth on fire. Here’s what you should know:
Spice Level:
- On most spice scales, it barely registers as “mild”
- Way less spicy than Kung Pao Chicken
- Spicier than Orange Chicken (but that’s not saying much!)
Why It Might Taste Different Sometimes:
- Individual restaurant locations might use slightly different amounts of chili
- Your personal spice tolerance plays a huge role
- What you eat it with can change how spicy it feels
Pro Tips for Spice Lovers
If you’re like me and want more heat, here’s what I recommend:
- Ask for extra chili sauce packets (they’re FREE!)
- The chili sauce is actually pretty good – almost medium heat level
- Mix the sauce in well before eating
- Pair it with spicier side dishes if available
Nutrition & Other Important Stuff
For those watching what they eat
- About 220 calories per serving
- 12g fat
- 5g carbs
- 16g protein
Heads Up It’s not gluten-free (contains soy sauce with wheat)
Best Ways to Enjoy It
I’ve found these combinations work really well:
- With steamed rice to balance the flavors
- Mixed with chow mein for extra texture
- Paired with veggies if you’re trying to eat healthy
When Can You Get It?
Here’s the thing – Sizzling Shrimp isn’t always available. It’s one of those rotating menu items that Panda Express brings back occasionally. Right now, it’s part of their Lent menu offerings, but don’t wait too long to try it!
Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s what works best:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway
- Stovetop: Medium heat until warm
- Pro tip: Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out
Final Thoughts
While Sizzling Shrimp might not deliver the fiery kick some people are hoping for, it’s still a pretty tasty dish. The shrimp are well-cooked, the veggies are fresh, and the sauce has nice flavor. If you’re worried about it being too spicy – don’t be! And if you want more heat, just grab some extra chili sauce packets.
Remember, it’s a premium entrée, so it’ll cost ya about $1.25 more than regular items. But for the quality of the shrimp and the portion size, I’d say it’s worth giving a try!
Have you tried Panda Express’s Sizzling Shrimp? What did you think about the spice level? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Note: Prices and availability may vary by location. Check with your local Panda Express for current menu options and pricing.
How To Make Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp?
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn pink and opaque. Take them out before they overcook! Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until the onions start to soften and the garlic smells amazing.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the snap peas and red bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. You want them bright, crisp, and just slightly tender—not soggy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly as it thickens. Once it’s shiny and coats the veggies nicely, add the shrimp back in. Toss everything together until the shrimp is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.
- Freezing? Not recommended. Shrimp get weird when frozen and reheated.
- Not a fan of spice? Swap the chili paste for sweet chili sauce for a milder version.
- Extra heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- More veggies? Mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy would be amazing in this.
- No shrimp? Try chicken, tofu, or even beef instead.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is GF-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe?
- Quicker than takeout. You can have this on the table in 15 minutes, which is faster than waiting in line.
- Incredibly flavorful. A perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory with just the right amount of heat.
- Healthier than the restaurant version. Fresh ingredients, less oil, and no weird preservatives.
- Minimal prep, big payoff. One pan, a handful of ingredients, and a crazy-good meal.
- Easily customizable. Adjust the spice, add more veggies, or swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together in the best way possible. Let’s break it down:
- Go for large shrimp – They stay juicy and tender even when cooked at high heat.
- Fresh or frozen? Either works! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Sugar snap peas – Crisp, slightly sweet, and the perfect contrast to the bold sauce.
- Red bell pepper – Adds color and a little sweetness. Swap for yellow or green if you prefer.
- Yellow onion – A little caramelized sweetness goes a long way.
- Garlic – Because no good stir-fry skips garlic!
- Soy sauce & oyster sauce – These two bring that deep, umami-packed savory magic.
- Chili paste – Adds heat, but you can adjust to your spice preference.
- Brown sugar – Balances out the spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Rice vinegar – A little acidity to brighten everything up.
- Cornstarch + water – Thickens the sauce to coat everything perfectly.
- Vegetable oil – Great for high-heat cooking. You can also use peanut or sesame oil for extra flavor.
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Review
FAQ
What do Panda Express sizzling shrimp taste like?
Incredibly flavorful.
A perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory with just the right amount of heat.
Is Panda Express Firecracker shrimp spicy?
The firecracker steak and shrimp is a boldly seasoned, spicy dish that’ll be available through May 27 while supplies last. It stars sirloin steak pieces and whole shrimp, sautéed with red and yellow bell peppers, onions, string beans and whole, dry chiles.
What is Panda Express Jumbo Shrimp?
This copycat Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is bursting with bold flavors of succulent jumbo shrimp in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe combines the freshness of crisp vegetables with the punch of Asian sauces, creating a sweet, spicy, and tangy taste all in one bite that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Want to save this recipe?
Is Panda Express spicy shrimp better than takeout?
This homemade version of Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is even better than takeout because it will save you money and can be customized to your family’s liking. Adjust the spice level, swap the veggies, or make it a little sweeter. Serve this shrimp stirfry with your favorite Asian sides for a homemade meal that will rival any restaurant menu.
Does Panda Express eat wok fried shrimp?
Panda Express brought back this dish in 2022 and renamed it Sizzling Shrimp. Is Wok-Fired Shrimp healthy? This dish is on the Panda Express’ Wok Smart menu and contains 190 calories and 17 grams of protein per 6-oz serving.
What is Panda Express fried shrimp?
It is exactly what the name implies: shrimp with walnuts in a mayonnaise honey sauce. The Panda Express recipe coats the shrimp in a tempura batter, fries them up, and tosses them in a wok with glazed walnuts and their signature honey sauce that does not include mayonnaise.
How much is sizzling shrimp at Panda Express?
As part of the Plate Bundle, you can get one side, two entrees including the Sizzling Shrimp, an appetizer, and a medium fountain drink for $15.25. You can find Sizzling Shrimp at participating Panda Express restaurants nationwide for a limited time.
Does Panda Express have chili sauce?
Still, this is quite a good dish taste-wise even if it doesn’t meet expectations on the heat. And fret not because Panda Express has you covered in the form of their chili sauce. It comes in little packets that they add to your bag, and I advise asking for extra.