REVIEW: Panda Express Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings

I recently tried Panda Express’s Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings, a unique item featuring Wagyu beef. These dumplings are wok-tossed with kale and onions in a Fly By Jing Zhong sauce, inspired by Chengdu street food flavors. While the description was promising, my experience was mixed.

The sauce brings a mild spice, but it’s not overwhelming; heat-wise, it’s definitely approachable. The dominant flavor is soy, so strong that it’s hard to pick up on other ingredients. There’s a sweet, molasses-like taste from the brown sugar that adds some depth to the sauce. I could also detect hints of garlic and sesame oil, which provide a nice aromatic richness to each bite. Unfortunately, the mushroom flavor, which the sauce claims to include, is almost impossible to notice amidst the intense soy profile.

The dumplings themselves are filled with Wagyu beef, which gives the filling a hearty and rich flavor. However, the texture was somewhat disappointing. The dumplings appear fried, but the sauce makes the exterior extremely soggy, taking away from the satisfying crispiness you might expect in a fried dumpling. This soggy texture doesn’t really complement the filling, leaving the dumpling feeling less structured than it should.

One aspect of the dish that felt unnecessary was the kale. While it adds a splash of green to the presentation, the kale doesn’t add much in terms of flavor and seems more decorative than functional. With such a strong soy-based sauce, the kale gets lost and could probably be omitted without affecting the dish overall.

Overall, I’d rate Panda Express’s Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings a 5/10. The flavors are enjoyable, especially if you appreciate Panda Express’s style, but the soggy texture and overwhelming soy taste hold it back. The dumplings are an interesting addition for fans of bold, Asian-inspired flavors, and they’re worth a try if you’re curious about new menu items – just don’t expect a crispy dumpling experience.

Rating: 5/10

Price: $12.49 bigger plate

How many calories are in Panda Express Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings?

1 entree = 265 calories

Where can you find Panda Express Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings?

It’s a test item on West coast Panda Express locations.