What is often the base for making fried rice at Panda Express?

The base for making fried rice at Panda Express is primarily steamed rice. Steamed rice serves as a key ingredient because it provides the right texture and moisture content needed for frying. It's usually prepared a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing it to cool and dry out slightly, which prevents the rice from becoming mushy during the frying process. This preparation ensures that the grains remain separate and become crispy when stir-fried with vegetables, proteins, and sauces.

While brown rice and jasmine rice might serve as alternatives in various contexts, steamed rice is the preferred option specifically for making the signature fried rice found at Panda Express. Leftover rice can also be used effectively, especially in home cooking, but the standardized recipe at Panda Express typically emphasizes freshly steamed rice for consistency and quality in flavor and texture.