Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

Panda Express Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish that’s easy to prepare at home. Packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, it offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This recipe will help you recreate that beloved takeout favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
• 2 scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 pack of chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set the sauce mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and cabbage, then sauté until fragrant and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chow mein or yakisoba noodles along with the seasoning packet to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through and develop slightly crispy spots.
5. Step 5: Garnish with the reserved sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when adding the noodles.
• Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor or use soy sauce alone for a vegetarian version.
• If using fresh noodles, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this chow mein?

Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work well as alternatives or additions.

Is it necessary to use the seasoning packet that comes with the noodles?

While the seasoning packet adds extra flavor, the sauce in this recipe provides plenty of taste. You can choose to use the packet sparingly or omit it altogether if you prefer.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

This Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe delivers the same savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly sauced stir-fried noodles that you love from the famous chain. Featuring tender sautéed vegetables and crispy noodles tossed in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
• 2 scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)

Noodles

• 1 pack of chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet

Oils

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to dissolve.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the yellow onion, celery, and shredded cabbage. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the Noodles: Add the chow mein or yakisoba noodles along with the seasoning packet to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the noodles to heat through completely and develop slightly crispy edges in some spots for authentic texture.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the reserved sliced scallions. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions.
• You can add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Adjust sauce ingredients to taste preference, especially for saltiness and sweetness.
• Yakisoba noodles can be substituted with chow mein noodles or standard egg noodles if unavailable.
• To enhance flavor, toast the sesame oil briefly in the pan before adding vegetables.

Keywords: Panda Express Chow Mein, copycat chow mein, Chinese noodles, stir-fried chow mein, easy chow mein recipe, vegetable chow mein