# Shrimp-Packed QSR Meals Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is Launching as a Lent-Friendly Option By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-03-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-sizzling-shrimp References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2023/03/01/panda-express-introduces-new-sizzling-shrimp/) & [sallyhansen](https://www.sallyhansen.com/)  The [Panda Express Sizzling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-2) Shrimp is the latest addition to the brand's menu that's arriving just in time for Lent season as an alternative protein option to enjoy. The dish features large, juicy shrimp that have been paired with freshly cut veggies, ginger and garlic before being tossed in a wok with a [tangy sauce](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serrano-chili-stir-fries). The dish is the perfect option for patrons who observe Lent to try out, but is also great for [flexitarians or pescatarians](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-shrimp). The Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is being launched with a special edition dish created by Lodge for patrons to pick up. Available for one day only (Thursday, March 9, 2023), the cast-iron wok is imprinted with the brand's name on the interior. Image Credit: Panda Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Lent-friendly Protein Options:** There is an opportunity to create more menu options for those observing Lent and looking for alternative protein options to incorporate into their diet. - **Flexitarian Options:** Creating dishes that cater to flexitarians and pescatarians, those who are looking to reduce their meat consumption, is a growing trend in the food industry. - **Limited-time Collaborations:** Collaborating with brands or creating limited-time offers for special edition products can help generate buzz and excitement around a restaurant product launch. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Quick-service Restaurants (qsrs):** QSRs can capitalize on the demand for alternative protein options by introducing new menu items and utilizing limited-time collaborations. - **Seafood Industry:** As more consumers look to incorporate seafood into their diets, there is an opportunity for the seafood industry to market towards flexitarian and pescatarian consumers. - **Cast-iron Cookware Industry:** Partnering with restaurants to create branded cast-iron woks could be a new revenue stream for the cookware industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sichuan-Inspired Seafood Entrées](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-2.md) - [Chinese Cuisine Mashup Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-sesame-shrimp-beef.md) - [Protein-Packed Asian Cuisine Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firecracker-steak-and-shrimp.md) - [Asian QSR Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sizzling-shrimp.md) - [Miniature Wok Giveaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-woks-from-lodge.md) - [Spiced Citrus Shrimp Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pancheros-chile-lime-shrimp.md) - [Springtime QSR Seafood Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smashburger-seafood-menu-items.md) - [Dim Sum-Inspired Restaurant Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dim-sum-bites.md) - [Spicy Seafood Protein Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-seafood-bowls.md)