Family-owned and -operated Asian dining concept Panda Express introduces Cantonese BBQ Brisket, the brand's first brisket offering, available nationwide June 2 through Aug. 10, 2026. The brisket was inspired by the flavors of char siu, a Cantonese barbecue dish originating in the Guangdong region.

The Cantonese BBQ Brisket uses both parts of the brisket: the point and the flat. The brisket features a char siu-style barbecue sauce, blending traditional American brisket with Cantonese flavor. The sauce is made with soy sauce, spicy fermented soybean paste, mirin and sesame oil.

Courtesy of Panda Express

“Cantonese BBQ Brisket is the most ‘American Chinese’ dish we’ve ever made,” said Chef Jimmy Wang, executive director of culinary innovation at Panda Express. “We've taken the spirit of American BBQ and fused it with Cantonese flavor, slow-cooked to achieve that signature tenderness before flame-searing it in a char siu-inspired sauce. It's all built around the soul of BBQ: the bark, the tenderness, the smoky finish. If you really want to taste what makes this brisket special, I’d pair it with a side of our white steamed rice.”

The Cantonese BBQ Brisket is slow cooked then hand cut into thick, bite-sized portions. Then, the brisket is flame-seared in an original char siu-style glaze.

Panda Express intentionally left vegetables out of the dish to let the meat take center stage.

Source: Panda Express