Panda Express is easy to bear

Shanghai steak
Shanghai steak
Posted: June 01, 2012

Company description: "Thick-cut slices of juicy Angus Top Sirloin marinated with Asian seasonings and wok-seared to perfection. Tossed in the wok with crisp asparagus, freshly sliced mushrooms, and our new zesty Asian steak sauce."

Chain: Panda Express

Location: Comcast Center, 17th Street and JFK Boulevard

Calories: A portion of the steak dish is 220 calories with only 7 grams of fat and a hefty 21 grams of protein and 910 milligrams of salt. We got our dish, however, with a side of chow mein and rice, bringing the total to approximately 750 calories, 26 grams of fat, 125 milligrams cholesterol, 1,850 milligrams sodium, 33 grams carbs and 92 grams protein.

Order time: Fast

Price: $7.49

Review: Panda’s new steak dish is tasty and rather healthy if you don’t load up with noodles and rice. The Chain Gang went at lunchtime, so the woks were sizzling, the dishes were hot and fresh, and the steak was tender. Fresh mushrooms and asparagus spears were a nice complement, and the dish wasn’t smothered in gooey sauce. A Gang member who’s always watching her figure opted for the Black Pepper Chicken over mixed steam veggies. Her lunch came in at under 300 quite-pleasing calories. If you want to eat healthy, you can get a bowl with any Panda main dish over the veggies for a satisfying (albeit salty) lunch under 500 calories.

Summary: As long as you’re not on a low-salt diet and don’t go off-hours when the steam plates may be getting a little dry, Panda Express offers a number of freshly prepared options at reasonable prices.

Every other Thursday, the Chain Gang reviews the latest chain-restaurant dishes.

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