JACKSON TWP. — Before Panda Express rolls out its new Cantonese BBQ brisket nationwide on June 2, customers in four cities named Canton, including Canton, Ohio, are getting an exclusive first taste.
The four Canton towns are in Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Georgia.
The fun fact was shared by Area Coach of Operations Heather Snyder during a special preview event at the Panda Express at t 5448 Dressler Road NW Jackson Township.
Cantonese BBQ Brisket, available nationally from June 2 through Aug. 10 while supplies last, marks Panda Express’ first brisket meal and its highest-protein offering to date, packing 44 grams per serving.
The dish combines the slow-cooked tenderness of traditional American barbecue brisket with the sweet and savory flavors of Cantonese-style char siu.
The sauce blends familiar barbecue sweetness and tang with aromatic Chinese-inspired flavors. Ingredients include soy sauce, sugar, onion, garlic, spicy fermented soybean paste, mirin, paprika and sesame oil, creating a rich, smoky and umami-forward finish.
Panda Express says the brisket uses both the point and flat cuts, giving diners a mix of richly marbled pieces and lean, tender slices.
“Cantonese BBQ Brisket is the most ‘American Chinese’ dish we’ve ever made and one that’s been years in the making,” said Jimmy Wang, executive director of culinary innovation at Panda Express.
“We’ve taken the spirit of American BBQ and reimagined it through the lens of 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. This is Panda’s take on two great culinary traditions and a new American Chinese classic.”
Jackson Township store manager Angel Nelson said the local team is hyped to be part of the early launch.
“We’re excited about the offering and love the fact that our surrounding area, especially Canton, has the opportunity to enjoy the Cantonese BBQ Brisket over Memorial Day weekend prior to its official launch,” Nelson said.
I had the opportunity to sample the brisket during the preview event and was impressed by how tender the meat was. No knife was necessary — the brisket easily pulls apart with a plastic fork. The sauce delivered a balance of smoky sweetness with a slight kick of spice.
The Panda Express team also introduced its new Panda-crafted beverages. I sampled the pomegranate pineapple lemonade, a refreshing, fruity complement to the rich brisket.
Northeast Ohio customers can enjoy the exclusive early release of Cantonese BBQ Brisket through Memorial Day weekend at the Jackson Township Panda Express location before the nationwide rollout.
After that, the limited-time entrée will be available at Panda Express locations nationwide while supplies last.
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink writer for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton, OH, gets early taste of Panda Express’ new BBQ brisket
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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