The Authentic Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe You’ll Adore

Noodles dance with vibrant vegetables in this authentic Panda Express chow mein recipe that captures restaurant-quality flavors at home.

Crisp cabbage and tender carrots weave through soft wheat noodles with delightful texture.

Savory seasonings blend seamlessly, creating a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty and fresh ingredients.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this classic stir-fry, but you can master it in your own kitchen.

Surprisingly simple techniques transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing noodle dish and watch everyone ask for seconds.

FAQs

• What type of noodles work best for this Panda Express Chow Mein recipe?

Yakisoba or fresh chow mein noodles are ideal. They provide the authentic texture and flavor closest to the original restaurant dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.

• Is it important to use a wok for this recipe?

While a wok is traditional and helps distribute heat evenly, a large skillet works perfectly fine if you don’t have a wok at home.

• How spicy is this chow mein recipe?

This version is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to customize the spice level to your preference.

Panda Express Chow Mein Just Like Takeout

• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this chow mein a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal cravings.
• Swap vegetables or add protein like chicken or shrimp to personalize the dish according to your taste and dietary preferences.
• Enjoy the popular Panda Express flavor right in your kitchen, saving money and avoiding takeout lines while satisfying your Chinese food craving.
• Control sodium and ingredient quality by making this dish yourself, ensuring fresher and potentially more nutritious meal compared to restaurant versions.

Ingredients for Panda Express Chow Mein

• Chow Mein Noodles: Authentic Chinese wheat noodles that form the base of this classic stir-fry dish.
• Vegetable Blend: Provides crunch and flavor to the noodle dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the entire dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor profile.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy undertone to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Offers a mild heat and subtle spiciness.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Celery: Adds a fresh and crisp texture to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
• Cabbage: Contributes additional crunch and lightness to the noodle dish.

Tools for Stir-Frying Chow Mein at Home

• Wok: Essential for authentic stir-frying with high, sloped sides for quick, even cooking.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables with precision.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for clean, uniform vegetable cuts.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and tossing noodles without scratching wok.
• Colander: Helps drain and rinse noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient proportions.

Panda Express Chow Mein Cooking Steps

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Base

Create a delicious sauce by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl.

Set this flavor-packed mixture aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep Noodles Perfectly

Thoroughly rinse the noodles under cool water, making sure to drain them completely.

Discard any seasoning packets that came with the noodles to ensure an authentic homemade taste.

Step 3: Sizzle Vegetable Medley

Grab a wok or large skillet and heat oil over medium heat.

Toss in chopped celery and onions, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly soft.

Add shredded cabbage and continue cooking for another minute, creating a vibrant vegetable base.

Step 4: Merge Noodles and Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the sizzling vegetables and noodles.

Increase heat to medium-high and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes.

Keep stirring to ensure the noodles are evenly heated and coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming chow mein to serving plates.

The noodles should be glossy, vegetables crisp-tender, and the entire dish bursting with that classic Panda Express flavor you know and love.

Pro Advice for Great Chow Mein

• Wash packaged noodles under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Maintain medium to medium-high heat to prevent burning vegetables and ensure even cooking of noodles.
• Cut celery, onions, and cabbage into consistent, thin pieces for balanced texture and quick, even cooking.
• Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar ratio to match your taste preference, creating a perfect sweet-savory blend.
• Continuously toss ingredients rapidly in the wok to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

Tasty Ways to Remix Chow Mein

• Vegetarian Chow Mein: Replace chicken or beef with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose certified gluten-free noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Chow Mein: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap wheat noodles with zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic chow mein texture.

Chow Mein Ready to Plate

• Party Platter Potential: Serve this chow mein as a colorful centerpiece at gatherings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform the dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Garnish Flair: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts over the noodles for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack in a bento box with some fresh spring rolls or dumplings for an exciting midday meal option.

Best Ways to Store Panda Express Chow Mein

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let the chow mein cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled chow mein to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chow mein in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panda Express chow mein delivers savory noodles packed with crisp vegetables and umami flavors. Chinese-inspired comfort brings restaurant quality directly to home kitchens for quick and satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 (5.6 ounces / 159 grams) Yakisoba noodles or Chinese Egg Noodles
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2/3 cup celery, chopped diagonally

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl to create a harmonious sauce blend.
2. Thoroughly rinse packaged noodles under cool water, ensuring complete drainage and discarding any included seasoning packets.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious wok over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
4. Introduce thinly sliced celery and diced onions to the hot wok, sautéing for approximately 90 seconds until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
5. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the vegetable mixture, continuing to stir-fry for an additional 60 seconds to maintain crisp texture.
6. Pour prepared sauce over the vegetable medley, then add rinsed noodles to the wok.
7. Toss and stir-fry the entire mixture at medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring noodles are evenly coated and heated through without becoming mushy.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Adapt the sauce by swapping soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version that maintains rich umami flavor.
• Choose fresh, crisp vegetables to ensure maximum texture and vibrant color in your chow mein.
• Minimize cooking time for vegetables to preserve their crunch and nutritional value, keeping them slightly tender-crisp.
• Consider adding protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal with balanced nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg