Sweet.
Glossy.
Irresistibly balanced.
This Panda express honey sesame sauce turns simple chicken into restaurant-style takeout.
One of the most popular dishes at Panda Express is Honey Sesame Chicken — and the magic comes from the sauce.
That shiny glaze combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and toasted sesame flavors into one perfect coating. The best part? You can recreate this delicious sauce at home in minutes.
Quick Answer
Panda Express honey sesame sauce is a sweet and savory Asian-style sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
It creates a glossy glaze perfect for:
- crispy chicken
- shrimp stir fry
- vegetable bowls
- rice dishes
- noodle stir fries
The sauce comes together quickly and thickens into a silky coating that clings beautifully to food.
Why This Recipe Works
This honey sesame sauce works because it balances sweetness, umami, and aroma in a simple way.
Honey adds natural sweetness and creates the smooth glossy finish. Soy sauce provides savory depth, while garlic brings warmth.
Rice vinegar keeps the sauce from tasting overly sweet, and sesame oil adds that classic nutty takeout flavor.
Cornstarch thickens the sauce into a shiny glaze that coats chicken, vegetables, and stir-fries perfectly.
What It Tastes Like
Honey sesame sauce has a sweet, savory, slightly nutty flavor.
You’ll notice:
- natural honey sweetness
- savory soy sauce depth
- mild garlic aroma
- toasted sesame flavor
- a light tangy finish
The texture is smooth and glossy, perfect for coating crispy chicken or vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
Why These Ingredients Matter
Honey provides sweetness and shine.
Soy sauce creates the savory base.
Garlic and ginger add aromatic depth.
Sesame oil delivers the signature nutty flavor.
Cornstarch thickens the sauce into a silky glaze.
Together these ingredients recreate the flavor of the Panda Express dish.
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
Step 2: Prepare the Slurry
Mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
Step 3: Heat the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 4: Thicken
Stir in the cornstarch slurry while whisking.
Step 5: Finish
Simmer until thick and glossy, then stir in sesame oil.
If the sauce seems thin at first, it will thicken quickly as it cooks.
Panda Express Honey Sesame Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic and ginger.
- Mix cornstarch and water.
- Heat sauce mixture over medium heat.
- Add cornstarch slurry and whisk.
- Simmer until thick and glossy then add sesame oil.
Notes
Pro Tips
• Use raw honey for the best flavor.
• Always add sesame oil at the end to preserve aroma.
• Don’t overcook the sauce or it may become too thick.
• For extra flavor add toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
No honey?
Maple syrup can work as a substitute.
No rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative.
Need gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce.
Make It Your Way
This sauce works well with:
- honey sesame chicken
- glazed shrimp
- tofu stir fry
- roasted vegetables
- noodle bowls
It also works as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Shelf life: up to 1 week.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may separate.
Common Questions
Is honey sesame sauce spicy?
No. It’s mostly sweet and savory.
Is it similar to teriyaki?
They’re similar, but honey sesame sauce is lighter and sweeter.
Can I make it thicker?
Yes, add a small extra amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I use it for shrimp?
Yes, it works beautifully with shrimp stir-fry.
Does Panda Express use honey?
Yes, honey is a key flavor component.
What vegetables pair well?
Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
You Might Also Like
• Panda Express Beijing Sauce
• Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
• General Tso Sauce
Final Thoughts
This honey sesame sauce brings that familiar Panda Express flavor right into your kitchen.
It’s quick, simple, and surprisingly versatile.
Once you try it, you’ll start adding it to everything from chicken to vegetables.
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