Which ingredient is commonly used to thicken sauces in Panda Express dishes?

Cornstarch is commonly used to thicken sauces in various dishes at Panda Express. Its effectiveness as a thickening agent lies in its ability to create a smooth, glossy texture when mixed with liquid and heated. When cornstarch is combined with a liquid, it absorbs moisture and swells, leading to a thicker consistency. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for Asian-style sauces, which are often slightly thick and sticky, allowing them to coat ingredients like vegetables and meats effectively.

Cornstarch also has the advantage of being a pure starch, which means it doesn't impart any additional flavor or color to the dish, allowing the original flavors of the ingredients to shine through. This is essential in maintaining the authentic taste of the various sauces used in Panda Express offerings. Additionally, cornstarch thickens quickly and typically requires less cooking time than options like flour, making it ideal for fast-paced kitchen environments where efficiency is key.