Easy Panda Express Chow Mein

Nothing beats a big bowl of chewy noodles stir fried in savory sauce with crisp veggies when those takeout cravings hit This Panda Express Chow Mein copycat comes together in just fifteen minutes using ingredients you can grab at any supermarket It is my go to side for quick dinners plus it is wallet friendly and everyone always wants second helpings

I started making this on busy weeknights and now it has become a staple for last minute lunches and when I am hosting friends who love Chinese takeout classics

Ingredients

• Chow mein noodles: fresh kind adds chewy texture sticks to the sauce well Look for them in the refrigerated section for best quality
• Cabbage: thinly sliced brings crunch and sweetness Choose tight heavy heads for freshness
• Celery: sliced provides crunch and light flavor Pick firm bright green stalks for best texture
• Onion: sliced boosts flavor and aroma Use yellow or sweet onions for a mellow taste
• Vegetable oil or any neutral oil: helps all the ingredients fry up golden Choose canola or grapeseed oil if available
• Soy sauce: regular adds classic savory saltiness Go for naturally brewed if possible
• Dark soy sauce: offers color and deep savory flavor Just a little for richness
• Oyster sauce or vegetarian stir fry sauce: creates signature depth and umami Look for a brand with rich color
• Sesame oil: adds nuttiness and aroma Cold pressed or toasted varieties are best
• Garlic cloves: minced infuses kick and warmth Use firm fresh garlic for boldest taste
• Chicken stock low sodium or cold water: helps the sauce coat noodles evenly Go with low sodium to control salt
• Cornstarch or potato starch: thickens sauce and helps it cling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl mix together soy sauce dark soy sauce oyster sauce sesame oil garlic chicken stock and cornstarch Stir thoroughly until smooth and set aside for later

Blanch the Noodles:

Fill a large pan halfway with water and bring to a rolling boil on medium high Once boiling add chow mein noodles and stir gently for twenty to thirty seconds until the strands separate and loosen

Drain the Noodles:

Immediately strain the noodles into a colander Shake gently to remove excess water Do not rinse as this helps the sauce cling better

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pan over high When shimmering add onions cabbage and celery Stir fry briskly for about one minute until they just start to soften staying crisp and bright

Add Noodles and Sauce:

Push the vegetables to the side of the pan Pour the remaining oil into the empty space Add prepared noodles followed by all the sauce ingredients

Toss and Finish:

Using tongs or chopsticks toss everything from the bottom up so the noodles are fully coated in sauce Cook another one to two minutes so everything is glossy and heated through Taste and remove from heat

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I always love how the toasted sesame oil perfumes the whole kitchen while it cooks My kids remember making this together on rainy days and everyone races for the crunchy cabbage bits

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers freshest transfer the cooled chow mein into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days For reheating sprinkle with a few drops of water and warm in a hot skillet to bring back the chewiness Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the noodles from getting soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh chow mein noodles substitute with cooked ramen or thin spaghetti If you prefer vegetarian use mushroom based stir fry sauce and swap chicken stock with vegetable broth Add carrots bell peppers or snap peas if you want even more color and crunch

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Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side for orange chicken beef and broccoli or teriyaki salmon It is also filling enough as a main dish especially if you toss in cooked shrimp chicken strips or tofu For a party I make a double batch and serve in a big platter with spring rolls

Fun Fact Chow Mein’s Takeout Charm

Chow mein means fried noodles in Chinese It is a classic dish adapted by Chinese immigrants for American tastes The Panda Express style features a slightly sweetish dark sauce with lots of cabbage and celery making it extra craveable One bite and you see why it has become a fast food staple nationwide

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of noodles work best for this dish?

Fresh chow mein noodles are ideal for the right texture, but refrigerated or shelf-stable wheat noodles can be used as substitutes if needed.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetarian stir fry sauce instead of oyster sauce and swap chicken stock for water or vegetable stock.

→ How do you keep the noodles from sticking?

Avoid rinsing after blanching and toss the noodles with sauce and oil immediately to prevent clumping.

→ Are there other vegetables I can add?

Carrots, bean sprouts, and bell peppers are popular additions for extra crunch and color in chow mein.

→ How do you get the signature flavor?

Combining regular and dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and garlic provides the classic savory depth you expect.