Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce: Ingredients, Calories & Where to Buy
Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce is a bottled version of the glaze used on the chain’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. Sold in a 20.5 oz bottle for roughly $4.99–$6.99, it contains no high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG, and a 2 tbsp serving has about 60 calories, 490mg sodium, and 15g carbs. It’s available at Kroger, Walmart, Target, H-E-B, and Amazon.
Panda Express built its reputation on the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, and the sauce behind it is now sitting on grocery store shelves. Home cooks no longer have to choose between a drive-thru run and a bland homemade substitute the same Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce used in-restaurant comes bottled and ready to pour.
What Is Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce?
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce, officially called Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce, is the retail version of the glaze brushed onto the chain’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. It comes in a 20.5 oz bottle (about 15 servings) and is marketed as a versatile sauce for chicken, steak, or pork.
Panda Express, the family-owned Chinese-American restaurant chain founded in 1983, packages its signature teriyaki glaze for retail sale. The product description promises “the bold flavors of our Grilled Teriyaki Chicken,” positioning it as a multi-protein sauce rather than a chicken-only condiment.
- Product name: Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce
- Bottle size: 20.5 oz (approximately 15–30 servings, depending on serving size used)
- Best for: Chicken, steak, pork, stir-fries, and rice bowls
- Origin: Based on the sauce recipe used in Panda Express restaurants
What Are the Ingredients in Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce?
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, water, modified food starch, ginger, sesame oil, salt, garlic, and lemon juice concentrate. It contains no high-fructose corn syrup and no added MSG beyond what naturally occurs in the soy sauce base.
Full Ingredient List (From the Bottle Label)
|
Ingredient Group |
Details |
|
Soy Sauce |
Water, wheat, soybeans, salt, alcohol, vinegar, lactic acid |
|
Sweeteners |
Sugar, water |
|
Thickener |
Modified food starch |
|
Aromatics |
Ginger, sesame oil, salt, garlic |
|
Acidifiers |
Lactic acid, lemon juice concentrate |
|
Stabilizers |
Xanthan gum, spices |
Note: Ingredient lists can vary slightly by retailer and bottling batch always check the label on your specific bottle for the most current formulation.
What’s Not in It
- No high-fructose corn syrup
- No added MSG (aside from what naturally occurs in soy sauce and yeast extract)
- Kosher, vegan, and vegetarian friendly, per product labeling
- Low fat and low saturated fat
Where Can You Buy Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce?
Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce is stocked at major grocery chains including Kroger, Smith’s, Ralphs, H-E-B, Walmart, and Target, typically in the Asian sauces aisle. It’s also sold on Amazon and Walmart.com in single bottles or multi-packs.
Retailer Availability
- Kroger family stores (Kroger, Ralphs, Smith’s, Mariano’s, Fry’s): 20.5 oz bottle, Asian sauce aisle
- Walmart: 20.5 oz bottle, single or multi-pack options
- H-E-B: Stocked in the international foods aisle at most Texas locations
- Smart & Final and Lowes Foods: 20.5 oz bottle
- Amazon: Single bottles and 2-3 packs, with subscription options
Approximate Retail Pricing
|
Retailer |
Price (20.5 oz) |
|
Walmart |
$4.53–$4.99 |
|
Kroger/Smith’s |
$4.99–$5.49 |
|
Amazon |
$5.99–$8.99 |
|
Multi-pack (2-3 bottles) |
$9.06–$25.82 |
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce Calories and Nutrition
A 2 tablespoon (about 38g) serving of Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce contains 60 calories, 0g fat, 490mg sodium, 15g total carbohydrates, and 14g sugar (including 14g added sugar), plus 1g protein. There are approximately 15 servings per 20.5 oz bottle.
|
Nutrient |
Amount per 2 Tbsp (38g) |
% Daily Value |
|
Calories |
60 |
|
|
Total Fat |
0g |
0% |
|
Saturated Fat |
0g |
0% |
|
Cholesterol |
0mg |
0% |
|
Sodium |
490mg |
21% |
|
Total Carbohydrate |
15g |
5% |
|
Dietary Fiber |
0g |
0% |
|
Total Sugars |
14g |
|
|
Added Sugars |
14g |
27% |
|
Protein |
1g |
0% |
The sodium content is the number worth watching a single serving delivers over 20% of the recommended daily value, so it’s easy to overdo it if you’re using the sauce generously as a marinade or finishing glaze.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Nutrition
A 6 oz serving of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (with sauce) contains 275 calories, according to the official Panda Express nutrition page. Third-party trackers estimate roughly 10g fat, 14g carbohydrates, and 33g protein for the same portion.
Panda Express markets Grilled Teriyaki Chicken as one of its leaner protein options, and the numbers back that up compared to breaded or fried menu items.
|
Nutrient |
Approximate Value (6 oz, with sauce) |
|
Calories |
275 |
|
Fat |
~10g |
|
Carbohydrates |
~14g |
|
Sugar |
~9g |
|
Protein |
~33g |
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Nutrition (No Sauce)
Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken without sauce contains 250 calories per 5 oz serving, with 11g fat, 7g carbohydrates, 30g protein, 155mg cholesterol, and 440mg sodium. Skipping the sauce cuts carbs and sodium while keeping protein high.
If you’re tracking carbs or sodium specifically, ordering the chicken without sauce (or making it at home and controlling the glaze yourself) makes a meaningful difference:
|
Nutrient |
With Sauce (6 oz) |
No Sauce (5 oz) |
|
Calories |
275 |
250 |
|
Fat |
~10g |
11g |
|
Carbohydrates |
~14g |
7g |
|
Protein |
~33g |
30g |
|
Sodium |
Higher (sauce adds ~490mg per 2 Tbsp) |
440mg |
|
Cholesterol |
155mg |
The chicken itself is grilled, not fried, which keeps the fat content reasonable even before the sauce enters the picture. Ordering it “no sauce” and adding a lighter drizzle at home is a simple way to control both sodium and sugar intake.
How to Use Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce at Home
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce works as a marinade, grilling glaze, stir-fry finisher, dipping sauce, or bowl topper. Marinate proteins for one to four hours, then use extra sauce as a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for the best flavor concentration.
- Marinade: Coat chicken, steak, or pork and refrigerate for 1-4 hours before cooking.
- Grilling glaze: Brush onto meat during the final 5 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars.
- Stir-fry sauce: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons at the end of wok cooking so it clings to vegetables and protein.
- Dipping sauce: Serve alongside dumplings, spring rolls, or grilled skewers.
- Bowl sauce: Drizzle over rice bowls with grilled chicken and vegetables for a quick weeknight meal.
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce Recipe: Make Your Own at Home
A homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce combines soy sauce, sugar, water, ginger, garlic, and a cornstarch slurry for thickness. Simmer the ingredients for a few minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, then cool before using as a marinade or glaze.
If you’d rather skip the store run, this simple base captures the same sweet-savory profile:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch, mixed with a splash of water)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients except the flour/cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and cool before using.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Copycat)
To make copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, grill chicken thighs seasoned with oil, then simmer a sauce of sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and ginger, thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Spoon the finished sauce over the grilled chicken and serve with rice.
This version, adapted from a widely shared copycat recipe, produces results close to the restaurant original:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Directions:
- Toss chicken thighs with canola oil.
- Grill on high heat for 3-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While the chicken grills, combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ginger, and 1/3 cup water in a separate saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook over low heat until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the sauce over the grilled chicken and serve with rice or grilled pineapple.
This recipe yields about 8 servings and takes roughly 25 minutes start to finish quicker than a takeout run for most people.
Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express: How the Bottled Sauce Compares
The bottled Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce is based on the same recipe used to prepare Grilled Teriyaki Chicken in-restaurant, but the restaurant version is marinated longer and charred over an open flame a step that’s difficult to fully replicate at home, even with the identical sauce.
That open-flame char is part of what gives the restaurant version its slightly smoky edge. At home, a hot grill pan or outdoor grill gets you close, but a standard stovetop skillet will still produce a flavorful, if slightly less smoky, result.
How to Store Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce
Unopened Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce should be stored in a cool, dry place until the “best by” date on the label. Once opened, refrigerate immediately the sauce typically stays fresh for several months when kept cold and sealed tightly between uses.
- Unopened: Pantry storage is fine until the printed date.
- After opening: Refrigerate right away.
- Signs of spoilage: Off smell, visible mold, or a noticeable color change.
- Freezing: Not recommended the starch-based thickener tends to separate after thawing.
Allergens and Dietary Considerations
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce contains wheat, soy, and sesame, making it unsuitable for anyone avoiding those allergens. It’s not gluten-free due to the wheat in the soy sauce base, but it is vegan and vegetarian friendly.
|
Consideration |
Status |
|
Contains wheat, soy, sesame |
Yes |
|
Gluten-free |
No |
|
Vegan |
Yes |
|
Vegetarian |
Yes |
|
Keto-friendly |
No (15g carbs per 2 Tbsp) |
One customer review flagged this directly: despite some retailer pages listing “no major allergens,” the ingredient label clearly states wheat, soy, and sesame worth a careful read if you or someone you’re cooking for has celiac disease or a soy allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce?
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce is sold at Kroger-family stores (Kroger, Ralphs, Smith’s, Mariano’s), Walmart, H-E-B, Smart & Final, Lowes Foods, and Amazon. Availability can vary by location, so calling ahead or checking a store’s app is worthwhile before a special trip.
How much does Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce cost?
A 20.5 oz bottle generally costs between $4.53 and $6.99 depending on the retailer. Amazon prices run slightly higher, from $5.99 to $8.99, though multi-packs often lower the per-bottle cost.
Is Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce gluten-free?
No. The sauce contains wheat through its soy sauce base, so it’s not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Those needing a gluten-free alternative should look for tamari-based teriyaki sauces instead.
Is Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce vegan?
Yes. According to product labeling, the sauce is both vegan and vegetarian, since none of its ingredients are animal-derived.
How many calories are in Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce?
A 2 tablespoon serving contains 60 calories, 0g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 14g sugar, and 1g protein.
Does Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce contain MSG?
No MSG is added directly. However, trace amounts occur naturally in the soy sauce and yeast extract components, which is standard for most soy-based sauces.
Is the bottled sauce the same as what’s used on the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes, the bottled sauce is based on the same recipe used in-restaurant. The main difference comes from preparation restaurant chicken is grilled over an open flame after marinating, adding a char that’s harder to recreate at home.
How long does an opened bottle of Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce last?
The bottle should be refrigerated immediately after opening. While Panda Express doesn’t publish an exact shelf-life window, most soy-based sauces of this type stay fresh for several months refrigerated always check for off smells or color changes before use.
Can I use Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce for something other than chicken?
Yes. The product is marketed for use on steak and pork in addition to chicken, and it also works well as a stir-fry sauce, dipping sauce, or rice bowl topper.
Is Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce keto-friendly?
No. At 15g of carbohydrates per 2 tablespoon serving, mostly from added sugar, it doesn’t fit within typical keto carb limits. Those following a low-carb diet should use it sparingly or look for a sugar-free teriyaki alternative.