Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

The Best Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe for Home Cooks

Craving a delicious chow mein that rivals your favorite panda express experience?

Noodles dance with vibrant vegetables in this mouthwatering copycat recipe that brings restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Crisp cabbage and tender carrots create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Savory sauce coats each strand, promising an authentic taste adventure.

Skilled home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes.

Wok-tossed ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible noodle sensation.

Proper Storage for Panda Express Chow Mein

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
  • Place chow mein in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, spread chow mein evenly, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly, restoring original texture and taste.

FAQs

  • What type of noodles work best for this chow mein recipe?

Egg noodles or fresh yakisoba noodles are ideal, as they have the perfect texture and authentic flavor for traditional chow mein.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any meat and focus on the delicious vegetable mix. The sauce and noodles provide plenty of flavor and protein.

  • How spicy is this chow mein?

The recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want extra heat. The current version is family-friendly and not inherently spicy.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The ingredients are simple, the flavors are mild, and most children enjoy noodle dishes like this chow mein.

Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat Recipe

  • Conquer Complexity with Ease: Minimal cooking skills needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to create a personalized twist on this classic noodle dish.
  • Speed Through Dinner Prep: Quick cooking process means you can have a delicious meal ready in minutes, solving weeknight dinner dilemmas.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers the beloved flavors of Panda Express right in your kitchen, satisfying cravings without leaving home.

Ingredients for Panda Express Chow Mein

For the Noodles:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: The base of the dish that provides a classic Chinese-style texture and vehicle for the other ingredients.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Cabbage: Provide a crisp and fresh element that adds crunch and subtle sweetness to the dish.
For the Sauce Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger Paste: Bring bold, aromatic flavors that are signature to Asian cuisine.
  • Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Create a rich, savory umami base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
For the Cooking Liquids:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking while adding a neutral cooking medium.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Panda Express Chow Mein Guide

Step-by-Step Panda Express Chow Mein Guide

Step 1: Boil Delightful Noodles

Grab your chow mein noodles and cook them perfectly in boiling water following the package instructions. Once they’re beautifully tender, drain them in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Vibrant Vegetables

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in:
  • Sliced onions
  • Shredded cabbage

Stir these colorful veggies occasionally and cook until they become wonderfully soft and slightly translucent (around 5 minutes).

Step 3: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Minced garlic
  • Ginger paste
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, aromatic sauce.

Step 4: Merge Noodles and Veggies

Slide the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauteed vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything, then toss and stir enthusiastically to ensure every strand gets coated with delicious flavor.

Step 5: Final Sizzle and Serve

Continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.

Make sure the noodles are heated through and glistening with sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Panda Express Chow Mein

  • Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly and avoid overcooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • Let the sauce simmer for a minute after adding to the skillet, allowing ingredients to absorb the rich, savory seasonings.
  • Easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this dish into a complete meal with extra protein.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust salt to manage the dish's overall saltiness for a healthier version.

Variations of Panda Express Chow Mein

  • Protein Power Punch: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal that boosts nutrition and keeps you fuller longer.
  • Spicy Sichuan Style: Incorporate chili oil, red pepper flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns to create a fiery version with intense, mouth-tingling heat.
  • Veggie Abundance Bowl: Replace some noodles with extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms for a more nutrient-dense, colorful dish.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a celiac-safe option.

Pairing Ideas for Panda Express Chow Mein

  • Boost Wine Harmony: Select crisp Riesling or light Pinot Grigio to complement the savory noodle dish, cutting through its rich garlic and soy sauce flavors.
  • Enhance Beer Matching: Grab a cold Japanese Sapporo or Tsingtao beer, whose light and crisp profile balances the chow mein's robust seasoning without overwhelming its delicate vegetable notes.
  • Create Protein Companion: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side to increase protein content, providing a lean protein boost that enhances the noodle dish's nutritional value and adds textural contrast.
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Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Panda Express chow mein brings classic Chinese-American stir-fry magic right to home kitchens with restaurant-quality noodles that dance with crisp vegetables and savory sauce. Quick and satisfying, you’ll master this takeout favorite in minutes, creating a delicious meal that rivals any restaurant version.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) chow mein noodles
  • 2 1/2 cups sliced green cabbage
  • 1 cup thinly sliced onion

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Place a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, adding vegetable oil to create a smooth cooking surface. Introduce sliced onions and shredded cabbage, tossing gently and allowing them to become translucent and slightly tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Create a flavor base by blending minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until the ingredients form a harmonious, aromatic sauce.
  4. Transfer the prepared noodles into the vegetable-filled wok, carefully folding them to integrate with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually pour the sauce mixture over the noodles, using tongs or a spatula to ensure complete and even coating.
  5. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and promote uniform heating. Once the noodles are steaming hot and glistening with sauce, remove from heat and plate immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Rinse noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain a slippery, smooth texture.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to personal taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness.
  • Swap wheat noodles with gluten-free options or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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