This homemade Panda Express chow mein is a delicious copycat recipe that can be made in no time, perfect for busy weeknight dinners! It's versatile and pairs well with various takeout dishes. If you love Chinese cuisine, you definitely don't want to miss out on trying this flavorful chow mein recipe!
Easy Chow Mein Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
Prepare to be amazed by this quick and easy Chow Mein noodles! Using basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, and any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container for up to 5 days. The noodles retain their incredible flavor upon reheating, ensuring delightful meals throughout the week. For a complete Asian feast, pair this Panda Express Chow Mein with our Teriyaki Chicken, savory Kung Pao Chicken, and mouthwatering Shanghai Angus Steak.
Panda Express Chow Mein Ingredients
If you're an avid Asian cuisine enthusiast, chances are you already have these ingredients in your pantry. Otherwise, they are readily available at your local grocery store, making it convenient to prepare this delicious dish.
- Chinese cooking wine: Adds depth of flavor to the dish. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry or rice vinegar.
- Dark soy sauce: Provides a rich and savory taste. If you don't have dark soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce, but the color and flavor may vary slightly.
- Ground white pepper: Adds a subtle heat and flavor. If unavailable, use black pepper as a substitute.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor. If you have a shellfish allergy or prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead.
- Toasted Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or potato starch if desired.
- Dry Chow mein noodles: Traditional Chinese egg noodles used in stir-fried dishes. If unavailable, you can substitute with yakisoba noodles, lo mein noodles or thin spaghetti noodles. Fresh noodles will work too. However, it's important to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster than dried ones.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable oil work well, but you can use any oil with a high smoke point.
- Yellow onion: Provides a slightly sweet and savory flavor. You can substitute with white onion if needed.
- Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Green cabbage: If desired, substitute with Napa cabbage or bok choy.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant and aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Ginger: Adds a warm and zesty kick. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ½ teaspoon of dried ground ginger as a substitute.
- Green onions: Finely sliced green onions make a great garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Make sure to check out the convenient and free printable recipe card below. It contains a list of all the ingredients needed for this dish, along with the exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
How to Make Chow Mein
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them together until well mixed. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, transfer to a colander. Rinse the noodles with cold water until they become bouncy and completely cool. Drain and drizzle a small amount of oil over them to prevent sticking. Toss to coat evenly with the oil. Set the noodles aside for later use.
To stir-fry the veggies, heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add onions, celery, and green cabbage. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then allow them to cook undisturbed until slightly charred on one side, which should take about 1 minute. Give the mixture another toss and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic and ginger, and cook for 40-60 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir-fry over high heat for an additional minute. Then, pour in the chow mein sauce and water, and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of garlic. Toss everything together until well combined.
If desired, garnish the dish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Chow Mein Copycat Recipe Tips
- Swap the dry chow mein noodles with Yaki soba noodles or lo mein noodles for an easy alternative.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
- For an authentic Panda flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the noodles.
- For added sweetness, add a teaspoon of brown sugar.
What to Serve with Panda Express Chow Mein
Panda Express Chow Mein pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- Orange Chicken: The sweet and tangy flavors of Orange Chicken complement the savory chow mein noodles.
- Mongolian Beef: It is a great protein option to enjoy with the chow mein.
- Kung Pao Chicken: It adds a delightful contrast to the noodles.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: This dish adds freshness and a variety of textures to the meal.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy and flavorful egg rolls make a delicious appetizer or side dish to enjoy with the chow mein.
- Fried Rice: Serve a side of fragrant and flavorful fried rice to complement the chow mein noodles.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple steamed broccoli dish provides a refreshing and healthy element to the meal.
How to Store Leftover Chow Mein
Leftover chow mein can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool the noodles completely before transferring to the container. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
How to Freeze
After your chow mein has cooled, transfer it to a freezer bag. Remove any excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chow mein in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
If you're short on time, chow mein tastes great when reheated in the microwave. However, for the best flavor and texture, we recommend to reheat it in a skillet or wok on the stovetop.
To do this, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat, add the chow mein, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. This method will help revive the flavors and maintain the desired texture of the noodles.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Chow Mein: Add cooked chicken breast or thigh meat for a protein-packed variation. Simply stir-fry the chicken with the vegetables and follow the recipe as directed.
- Shrimp Chow Mein: For a seafood twist, add cooked shrimp. Toss the shrimp in with the noodles and vegetables during the stir-frying process to make a delectable shrimp chow mein.
- Beef Chow Mein: If you prefer beef, thinly slice cooked beef or use beef strips and stir-fry them with the vegetables and noodles.
FAQs
No, chow mein and ramen noodles are not the same. Chow mein is a Chinese dish consisting of stir-fried noodles that are crispy or slightly soft, while ramen noodles are a type of Japanese noodle that is typically served in a flavorful broth. They differ in terms of origin, texture, and cooking method, making them distinct dishes in Asian cuisine.
The main difference between lo mein and chow mein lies in their cooking techniques and texture. Lo mein is a Chinese dish that consists of soft noodles that are boiled and then tossed in a sauce along with various vegetables, meat, or seafood. On the other hand, chow mein is a Chinese dish where the noodles are first parboiled and then stir-fried until they become slightly crispy. Chow mein typically includes a mixture of vegetables, meat, or seafood along with the noodles. The key distinction is that lo mein has a softer texture, while chow mein has a crispier texture due to the stir-frying process.
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Looking for more mouthwatering Panda Express copycat recipes? Your search ends here! We've created a special index page exclusively for Panda Express Recipes. Discover all your favorite entrees, sides, and appetizers in one convenient location.
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!
Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
Chow Mein Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons Dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Chow Mein Ingredients
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or yakisoba noodles
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup yellow onion sliced (about ½ large yellow onion)
- ½ cup celery thinly sliced (about 2 medium ribs)
- 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
- 2 tablespoons cloves garlic finely chopped, divided
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions thinly sliced for toppings
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Whisk them together until well mixed. Keep aside.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large wok or pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then transfer to a colander. Rinse with cold water until they become bouncy and completely cool. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large sheet tray. Drizzle a bit of oil over the noodles to prevent sticking and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Stir fry veggies: Heat a large skillet, frying pan, or wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, celery and green cabbage. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then let it cook undisturbed until they become slightly charred on one side, which should take about 1 minute. Give the mixture another toss and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic and ginger, and cook for 40-60 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the noodles to the skillet and stir-fry over high heat for an additional minute. Then, add the chow mein sauce and water, and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of garlic. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Swap the dry chow mein noodles with Yaki soba noodles or lo mein noodles for an easy alternative.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
- For an authentic Panda flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the noodles.
- For added sweetness, add a teaspoon of brown sugar.
Nutrition
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Brian says
Tastes just like the real thing! Super easy to make, and the sauce was spot on. I’ll be making this instead of ordering takeout from now on!
Tatiana says
That’s the best compliment, Brian! So glad you found it easy and delicious.