Panda Express in Ocala

Experience wok-fired Chinese-American cuisine with Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and more at Ocala's favorite fast-casual Asian restaurant.

Discover Panda Express in Ocala

Panda Express brings the excitement of wok-fired Asian cuisine to Ocala with a fast-casual dining experience that combines quality ingredients, bold flavors, and quick service. Since its founding, Panda Express has become one of America's favorite Chinese-American restaurants, known for its signature dishes like Orange Chicken and commitment to creating craveable food. In Ocala, Panda Express serves the community with fresh, customizable meals prepared to order in an open-kitchen environment where you can watch your food being prepared.

Orange Chicken

Panda Express' most iconic dish features crispy-fried chicken tossed in a signature orange sauce that perfectly balances sweet citrus flavors with subtle heat. Each piece is coated in a light, crispy batter and combined with tender vegetables. The sauce clings beautifully to every piece, creating an addictive flavor combination. It's typically served with a choice of brown rice, white rice, or fried rice, making it a complete meal that keeps customers coming back for more.

  • Crispy fried chicken with tangy orange sauce
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Customizable with multiple side options

Beijing Beef

Beijing Beef brings bold, savory flavors with tender crispy beef tossed in a rich soy-based sauce with hints of ginger and garlic. The dish features a satisfying textural contrast between the crispy beef strips and soft vegetables. It's slightly spicier than Orange Chicken but equally addictive, offering a more sophisticated flavor profile for those seeking deeper umami tastes. The savory sauce coats every piece perfectly for an unforgettable dining experience.

  • Crispy beef in savory soy-based sauce
  • Aromatic ginger and garlic flavoring
  • Rich umami flavors for sophisticated palates

Chow Mein

Panda Express chow mein features stir-fried noodles combined with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein. The noodles are cooked to the perfect texture—tender yet slightly crispy from the wok—and coated in a savory sauce that brings all the ingredients together. It can be ordered as a side with any entree or as a standalone meal. The chow mein is highly customizable, allowing you to control the protein type, vegetable mix, and sauce level to your preference.

  • Wok-fried noodles with fresh vegetables
  • Multiple protein options available
  • Perfect as side or standalone meal

Fried Rice

Panda Express fried rice is a complete meal in itself, featuring fluffy jasmine rice wok-fried with egg, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Each grain of rice is individually coated with savory flavor, and the mix of tender vegetables and protein creates a satisfying, balanced meal. Fried rice is an economical choice that offers excellent value, and like all Panda Express sides, it can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences and taste preferences.

  • Fluffy jasmine rice with egg and vegetables
  • Complete meal with protein options
  • Excellent value and customizable

Signature Panda Express Favorites

Kung Pao Chicken

Tender chicken stir-fried with roasted peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce balanced with subtle sweetness. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch and rich flavor depth that complements the chicken perfectly.

String Bean Chicken Breast

Sliced chicken breast paired with crispy string beans in a savory garlic sauce. This lighter option delivers authentic Asian flavors with fresh vegetables and tender protein for a healthier meal choice.

Hot Ones Blazing Bourbon Chicken

A spicy collaboration featuring crispy chicken in a bold bourbon-infused sauce with ghost pepper heat. This limited offering is for serious spice lovers seeking an intense flavor experience with smoky undertones.

Sizzling Shrimp

Tender shrimp wok-fried with vegetables in a light, savory sauce. This protein-rich option offers a lighter alternative to chicken or beef while maintaining the signature Panda Express flavor profile and quality.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy-fried spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables and served with sweet and sour sauce. Perfect appetizer or side dish that adds textural contrast to any meal and satisfies cravings for something crispy.

Fortune Cookie

The classic ending to a Panda Express meal, these crispy cookies come with fun fortunes inside. A traditional touch that adds whimsy and sweetness to conclude your dining experience on a positive note.

The Panda Express Dining Experience

Panda Express delivers a unique fast-casual dining experience that combines quality, customization, and speed. When you visit Panda Express in Ocala, you'll experience an open-kitchen setup where skilled wok chefs prepare your meal fresh to order. Watch as they expertly toss your ingredients in large woks over high heat, creating the signature charred flavors and textures that make wok-fired cuisine so special.

Quick Service

From ordering to receiving your meal typically takes just minutes, making Panda Express perfect for lunch breaks, quick dinners, or family meals when time is limited.

Full Customization

Build your perfect meal by selecting your entree, side, protein, and sauce preferences, ensuring every visit can be tailored exactly to your taste.

Convenient Location

Panda Express in Ocala is strategically located for easy access, with ample parking and quick service that fits into any schedule.

Fresh Ingredients

All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to order, ensuring maximum flavor and quality in every meal you receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange Chicken and why is it so popular?

Orange Chicken is Panda Express' signature dish and one of the most beloved items on the menu. It features crispy-fried chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet orange-flavored sauce with hints of citrus. The combination of crispy texture and flavorful sauce creates an irresistible combination that appeals to both longtime fans and first-time customers. It's the perfect balance of comfort food and sophisticated Asian flavors.

What are the main differences between Panda Express dishes?

Panda Express offers a variety of wok-fired entrees, each with distinct flavor profiles. Orange Chicken is sweet and citrusy, Beijing Beef features a bold soy-based sauce with tender beef strips, Kung Pao Chicken combines spiced chicken with peanuts and vegetables, and their chow mein and fried rice dishes are carbohydrate-based meals. Each dish is customizable with different protein options, making it easy to find something that suits your taste preferences.

Does Panda Express offer vegetarian options?

Yes! Panda Express offers several vegetarian entrees including Vegetable Chow Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice, Hot Ones Blazing Bourbon Chicken (without chicken, substituted with vegetables), and various tofu-based options at select locations. Additionally, most wok-fired entrees can be made with tofu instead of meat. Customers can customize their meals with vegetarian proteins and choose which vegetables to include, making it easy to create a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Can I customize my Panda Express meal?

Absolutely! Panda Express prides itself on customization. You can choose your entree, pair it with a side like fried rice or chow mein, select your protein preference, and add extra vegetables or sauces. Most locations allow you to adjust spice levels and request lighter oil preparations. The 'Create Your Plate' option lets you build your perfect meal by combining an entree with a side, giving you complete control over your dining experience.

What is the best way to order for groups or families?

Panda Express is ideal for group dining. Their Family Feast and Group Orders make it easy to feed multiple people. Order multiple entrees with different sides to create variety, or choose their combo meals that come with entrees and sides. For larger groups, consider pre-ordering or calling ahead to ensure availability. The fast-casual service model means food comes out quickly, making it perfect for families or coworkers who want quality food without long waits.

Ready for Wok-Fired Goodness?

Visit Panda Express in Ocala today and experience fresh, customizable Chinese-American cuisine prepared right before your eyes. Whether you're craving the iconic Orange Chicken or exploring new flavors, there's something for everyone.