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Panda Express Chow Mein 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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