Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

This homemade Panda Express Chow Mein brings the perfect combination of tender noodles and crisp vegetables straight to your kitchen. With a flavorful sauce and simple ingredients, it’s an easy and satisfying dish for any night of the week.

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
• 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 the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and cabbage, sautéing 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 the prepared sauce over the ingredients and toss to combine thoroughly, making sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and develop slightly crispy edges.
5. Step 5: Garnish with the reserved sliced scallions and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish while sautéing the vegetables.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of paste for a more vibrant flavor.
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and color.
• If you prefer a spicier chow mein, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with thin egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti if needed. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the noodle type.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe as written is vegetarian if you use vegetarian oyster sauce or replace it with mushroom sauce. Otherwise, oyster sauce contains shellfish, so look for vegan substitutes if needed.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This homemade Panda Express Chow Mein recipe delivers a deliciously flavorful and balanced stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender yellow onions, crunchy celery, shredded cabbage, and fresh scallions, all tossed with classic chow mein noodles and a savory soy-based sauce. Perfectly crispy in spots and bursting with umami from oyster sauce and garlic-ginger paste, this recipe is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a takeout favorite from your own kitchen.

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

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 chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet

Cooking Oil

• 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 until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, sliced celery, and shredded cabbage. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant, tender, yet still slightly crisp, which builds a textured base for the chow mein.
3. Add the Noodles: Add the chow mein or yakisoba noodles along with the seasoning packet directly into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
4. Toss and Cook: Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and develop a slight crispiness in some spots.
5. Serve: Garnish the finished chow mein with the reserved sliced scallions to add a fresh note. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
• If chow mein noodles are unavailable, yakisoba noodles are a good substitute with similar texture.
• Adjust brown sugar in the sauce to taste for a sweeter or less sweet profile.
• To add protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the vegetable cooking step.
• Use a large skillet or wok for best results to allow space for tossing and even cooking.

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