How many calories in a cream cheese Rangoon from Panda Express?

Cream cheese Rangoon is a popular appetizer found at many Chinese-American restaurants, including Panda Express. This deep-fried dumpling is filled with a sweet cream cheese filling, making it a tasty yet indulgent snack. But just how many calories are in one of these treats from Panda Express?

Quick Answer

Each Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon contains approximately 110 calories.

Detailed Breakdown of Calories in a Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon

To determine the calorie count of a Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon, we need to look at the individual ingredients that go into making this appetizer:

Cream Cheese Filling

The cream cheese filling is made up of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. One Panda Express Rangoon contains approximately:

  • 25 calories from cream cheese
  • 20 calories from sugar

So the cream cheese filling totals around 45 calories.

Wrappers

The Rangoons come wrapped in a crispy fried wonton wrapper. Each wrapper contains roughly:

  • 50 calories

Frying Oil

When deep fried, the wonton wrappers absorb some oil. Each Rangoon soaks up about:

  • 15 calories from frying oil

Total Calories

When we add up the calories from the cream cheese filling, wrappers, and absorbed frying oil, a single Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon contains about:

Ingredient Calories
Cream Cheese Filling 45
Wrappers 50
Frying Oil 15
Total Calories 110

So in total, each Panda Express cream cheese Rangoon contains approximately 110 calories.

Cream Cheese Rangoons Nutrition Facts

While calories give us a good idea of how indulgent a food may be, looking at the full nutrition label can provide more detail on the nutritional contents of Panda Express cream cheese Rangoons:

Nutrition Facts Per Rangoon
Calories 110
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 2.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 270mg
Total Carbohydrates 13g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 2g
Protein 2g

As we can see, while high in calories, fat, and sodium, the Rangoons are low in protein and do not provide any fiber. The sugar content is also low since there are no added sugars beyond what’s naturally found in the cream cheese.

How Cream Cheese Rangoons Are Made

To better understand the calorie content of these appetizers, it’s helpful to know what goes into making them:

Ingredients

  • Wonton wrappers
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Frying oil

Process

  1. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
  2. Place about 1 tbsp of the cream cheese filling into the center of a wonton wrapper.
  3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold into a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
  4. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
  5. Heat frying oil in deep fryer or pot to 350°F.
  6. Fry Rangoons for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel lined plate.
  8. Serve warm.

Frying gives the Rangoons their distinctive crunch and allows them to become golden brown, while also adding a significant number of calories from the oil.

How Many Rangoons Come in One Order

The number of cream cheese Rangoons you get in one order at Panda Express depends on the size you purchase:

Order Size Rangoons per Order
Small 3
Medium 4
Large 8

So if you order a small size, you’ll get 3 Rangoons totaling around 330 calories. Order a large for 8 Rangoons at 880 calories. Keep the number of Rangoons in mind when figuring out the total calorie intake from this appetizer.

Tips for Enjoying Cream Cheese Rangoons While Watching Calories

While cream cheese Rangoons are high in calories, there are some ways you can still enjoy them in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet:

  • Stick to the small size order of just 3 Rangoons.
  • Pair your Rangoons with lower calorie menu items like steamed or stir-fried veggies.
  • Portion out your Rangoons as soon as you get your order by dividing them onto separate plates or napkins.
  • Don’t eat your Rangoons on their own – combine them with entrees in each bite.
  • Drink water instead of sugary soda while enjoying this appetizer.
  • Aim for reasonable portion sizes of the rest of your meal to balance out the Rangoons.
  • Split an order with a friend so you each only have 1-2 pieces.
  • Substitute lower calorie appetizers like steamed edamame or fresh summer rolls.

Being mindful of portions and pairing Rangoons with lighter fare can allow you to satisfy a craving while being calorie-conscious.

Healthier Homemade Baked Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

To lighten up this appetizer at home, you can bake wonton wrappers filled with cream cheese instead of deep frying. This cuts down on calories significantly by avoiding the oil:

Ingredients

  • 16 wonton wrappers
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Place about 1 tbsp of filling into the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges with water and fold diagonally to form a triangle. Press edges to seal.
  4. Place the Rangoons on the prepared baking sheet seam side down, about 1 inch apart.
  5. Lightly brush the tops with water.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving.

The homemade baked version saves you about 15 calories per Rangoon by avoiding frying. You can adjust the sugar amount to make the recipe even healthier.

Comparison to Other Popular Appetizers

Cream cheese Rangoons have a higher calorie count compared to some other popular Chinese restaurant appetizers:

Appetizer (3 pieces) Calories
Cream Cheese Rangoons 330
Chicken Egg Rolls 270
Vegetable Spring Rolls 150
Steamed Dumplings 105
Steamed Edamame 90

Rangoons pack over 100 more calories per serving compared to vegetable-based appetizers like spring rolls and edamame. Going with lighter options can allow you to start your meal with fewer calories.

Should You Be Concerned About the Calories in Cream Cheese Rangoons?

At around 110 calories apiece, Panda Express’s cream cheese Rangoons are higher in calories than many other appetizer choices. The source of these calories – cheese, sugar, fried wontons – is not particularly nutritious either.

However, enjoying Rangoons occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet is unlikely to have major negative health impacts. With proper portion control and moderation, these tasty appetizers can still fit into a healthy lifestyle.

Some other tips for minimizing negative effects:

  • Limit yourself to 1-2 Rangoons max per meal.
  • Don’t make Rangoons a habit – choose healthier appetizers most of the time.
  • Stay active through exercise to burn extra calories.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

While not the most nutritious choice, enjoying the occasional indulgent food is part of balanced eating for most people. With moderation and wisdom, cream cheese Rangoons can be eaten as part of an overall healthy diet.

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