Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe

This Copycat Panda Express White Rice recipe brings the signature fluffy, slightly sticky texture of restaurant-style steamed rice right to your kitchen. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect side dish for your favorite takeout-style meals. Whether you’re pairing it with orange chicken or beef and broccoli, this rice turns any meal into a Panda Express experience at home.

If you’ve ever wondered how Panda Express gets their white rice so fluffy and perfectly cooked, this copycat recipe is for you!

Using just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that tender, restaurant-quality rice right at home. It’s an easy and budget-friendly side dish that pairs beautifully with all your favorite stir-fries, orange chicken, or teriyaki bowls—no takeout needed!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Simple Ingredients – Just rice, water, and a pinch of salt—nothing fancy or hard to find.
• Perfect Texture Every Time – Soft, fluffy, and never mushy, just like takeout.
• Budget-Friendly – Skip the restaurant and make a big batch for a fraction of the cost.
• Versatile Side Dish – Pairs perfectly with all your Asian-inspired meals.
• No Special Equipment Needed – Cook it on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or Instant Pot.

Panda Express White Rice Ingredients

• Long grain white rice – Light, fluffy texture perfect for stir-fries and sides.
• Water – Helps steam and cook rice to perfection.
• Salt (optional) – Enhances flavor without overpowering the rice.

How to Make Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe

Step 1: Rinse the long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from being too sticky.

Step 2: Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot with the water and salt (if using). Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Manual (or Pressure Cook) mode and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 4: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 5:Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm alongside your favorite stir-fries or Panda Express copycat recipes.

Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe Tips

• Rinse the Rice Well – Always rinse your white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
• Use the Right Ratio – For stovetop cooking, use 1 part rice to 2 parts water. In the Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio works best for fluffy results.
• Don’t Skip the Rest Time – Let the rice sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking (before fluffing) to allow the steam to finish the cooking process.
• Use Long Grain White Rice – Jasmine or standard long-grain white rice closely matches what Panda Express uses—light, fluffy, and not sticky.
• Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Early – Whether on the stovetop or Instant Pot, keep the lid on during cooking to ensure proper steaming and texture.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten for quick thawing and freeze for up to 2 months.

What To Serve With Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe

Copycat Panda Express White Rice pairs perfectly with a variety of flavorful dishes to create a complete meal. Serve it alongside popular favorites like orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or kung pao chicken to soak up all those savory sauces.

It also works well with steamed vegetables, egg rolls, or potstickers for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe Faqs

What type of rice is best for this recipe? Long grain white rice, like Jasmine or standard long grain, works best for fluffy, separate grains like Panda Express.

Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking? Yes! Rinsing removes excess starch to prevent the rice from becoming sticky or gummy.

Can I use brown rice instead? Brown rice can be used, but cooking times and water ratios will differ, and the texture won’t be exactly like Panda Express.

How can I reheat leftover rice without it drying out? Reheat with a sprinkle of water and cover while microwaving or warm gently on the stovetop to keep it moist.

More Panda Express Copycat Recipes

• Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken Recipe
• Panda Express Green Bean Chicken Recipe
• Reheating Panda Express Leftovers In Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef
• Panda Express Chili Crisp Shrimp Recipe
• Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
• Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
• Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe
• Air Fryer Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat
• Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls
• Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
• Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon

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