Panda Express is a popular American Chinese fast food restaurant chain that serves a variety of Chinese-American cuisine. One of their most popular appetizers on the menu are rangoons – crispy, deep-fried dumplings filled with a creamy cheese and crab meat filling. But for those who follow a gluten-free diet, an important question arises: are Panda Express rangoons gluten-free?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger an autoimmune response and cause damage to the small intestine. This is why following a strict gluten-free diet is extremely important for managing these conditions.
Some of the common symptoms of gluten intake for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
So in order to avoid these unpleasant symptoms, it’s important for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to be vigilant about checking labels and understanding how dishes at restaurants are prepared. Cross-contamination is a real concern.
Panda Express Ingredients
To determine if Panda Express rangoons are gluten-free, we need to look closely at the ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients according to the Panda Express website:
- Flour
- Water
- Egg
- Cream cheese
- Crab meat
- Onions
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar
- White pepper
The main ingredient that stands out here in regards to gluten is the flour. Panda Express does not provide much detail about what type of flour is used. But if it is a flour derived from wheat, barley, or rye then that would mean the rangoons contain gluten.
Panda Express Allergy Information
Panda Express publishes a downloadable allergen guide on their website which provides some helpful information about menu items that contain allergens like gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, etc.
In the allergen guide, under the appetizers section, the crab rangoons are listed as containing:
- Wheat
- Egg
- Soy
- Dairy
So based on this guide, Panda Express confirms that their crab rangoons do contain wheat as an ingredient. Since wheat contains gluten, this would mean that the rangoons are not gluten-free.
Rice Flour Rangoons?
Some Panda Express locations claim to offer rice flour crab rangoons, which would theoretically be gluten-free. Rice flour does not contain any gluten.
However, it’s important to note that even if a location says they have rice flour rangoons, there is still a risk of cross-contamination occurring in the kitchen where they are prepped. So sensitive individuals would still need to exercise caution.
Can Panda Express Rangoons Be Made Gluten-Free?
While the traditional Panda Express crab rangoons contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free, there are some modifications that could potentially be made to create a gluten-free version:
- Substitute the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour like rice flour or tapioca flour
- Fry the rangoons in designated gluten-free fryer oil to prevent cross-contact
- Use utensils and prep surfaces that have been thoroughly sanitized before use
- Store gluten-free rangoons separately from regular rangoons
However, keep in mind that Panda Express locations are not dedicated gluten-free kitchens. Even if they attempt to make accommodations like using a gluten-free flour, the risk of cross-contamination may still exist which could be problematic for celiac customers.
Other Gluten-Free Appetizers at Panda Express
While the classic rangoons may be off limits for gluten-free diners, here are some other appetizer options at Panda Express that don’t contain gluten ingredients:
- Chicken Egg Rolls
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Shanghai Angus Steak
- Side of Steamed Vegetables
Of course, cross-contamination is still possible with deep fried dishes like the egg rolls and Shanghai Angus Steak depending on whether they use shared fryer oil. A side of steamed vegetables would be the safest gluten-free choice.
Gluten-Free Entrees at Panda Express
Beyond appetizers, what entree options can you safely order at Panda Express if you are gluten-free?
Here are some main dishes that do not contain gluten ingredients based on the allergen menu:
- Broccoli Beef
- Kung Pao Chicken
- String Bean Chicken Breast
- Mixed Veggies
- Super Greens
- Chow Mein or Fried Rice with Tofu or Vegetables (without sauce)
- Steamed Chicken Breast
However, the risk of cross-contact through shared woks, utensils, and prep areas still exists. And sauces thickened with wheat flour are common. So modifications like no sauce may be needed. Speak to the manager on duty to see if they can accommodate requests.
How to Order Gluten-Free at Panda Express
If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, here are some tips for ordering safely at Panda Express:
- Review the allergen menu in advance and decide on gluten-free menu items
- Ask if there are any rice flour rangoons available (some locations may offer)
- Request no sauce on dishes like Chow Mein to avoid wheat thickened sauces
- Opt for steamed dishes instead of fried
- Ask about ingredients and preparation methods for modified orders
- Explain your gluten allergy clearly to staff so they take precautions
- Be aware that cross-contact is likely in the kitchen
- Inspect your meal carefully before eating
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees any restaurant can be 100% gluten-free due to shared kitchens and the risk of cross-contamination. But being an informed diner by checking menus and ingredient information can help you make the safest choices possible when eating at chains like Panda Express.
Rangoons from Gluten-Free Chains
Rather than trying to modify items at conventional chains like Panda Express, another option is to seek out rangoons from restaurant chains that specialize in gluten-free fare. Here are a few examples:
- Jenni’s Splendid Ice Creams
- Kyotofu
- Raw Rescue
- Fried Twinkies Company
These types of dedicated gluten-free establishments follow much stricter protocols in their kitchens to prevent cross-contamination. So the chances of running into gluten are considerably lower.
Of course, you’ll still want to ask questions, read labels, and use common sense. When in doubt, contact the restaurant directly to learn about their gluten-free practices before visiting. But these specialized chains can offer more peace of mind for gluten-free rangoon fans.
Gluten-Free Brands of Rangoons
Instead of dining out, another way to enjoy rangoons is by purchasing frozen gluten-free versions that you can prepare at home. Here are a few brands offering gluten-free rangoons:
- Farm Rich
- TJ Farms
- Organic Bytes
- Sweet Baby Ray’s
- The Crab Du Jour
Again, double check the packaging to verify the gluten-free claim and that they are produced in a facility free of gluten. Some brands may carry gluten-free rangoons alongside non-gluten-free versions, so make sure to read labels carefully.
Make Your Own Gluten-Free Rangoons
For the best assurance that your rangoons are 100% gluten-free, your safest bet is to prepare them yourself at home. This avoids any risk of cross-contact and you have full control over the ingredients.
Here is a simple recipe to make crab rangoons that are gluten-free:
Gluten-Free Crab Rangoon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup imitation crab meat
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 30 round wonton wrappers (check for gluten-free)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
Instructions:
- Mix together the cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, garlic powder, soy sauce, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
- Place about 1 tsp of filling into the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Use finger to coat the edges with water and fold the wrapper in half, sealing tightly so no filling leaks.
- Pour oil about 2 inches deep into a pan or pot and heat to 350°F. Fry rangoons 2-3 minutes until golden brown, flipping once.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Enjoy the gluten-free crab rangoons while they’re warm!
Making rangoons at home lets you control the ingredients to keep them gluten-free. And you can experiment with fillings like different types of cheese, veggies, or meat. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free crab rangoons!
Conclusion
In summary, traditional Panda Express crab rangoons unfortunately are not gluten-free based on the wheat flour used to make the dough wrappers. Some locations may offer rice flour rangoons, but cross-contamination can still be an issue. Diners need to be very cautious and inspect their meal carefully if trying to order gluten-free items at Panda Express.
The safest options are choosing rangoons from dedicated gluten-free restaurants or frozen brands, or making them at home yourself. With the right ingredients and preparation methods, you can still enjoy tasty gluten-free rangoons even if you have to avoid the Panda Express version. Being informed about menu items, asking questions, and careful label reading is key for gluten-free diners.
