Craving Panda Express Chow Mein? 🍜 Now you can make this classic takeout favorite at home in just 15 minutes! Chewy chow mein noodles are stir-fried with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions in a savory, garlicky sauce that tastes just like the restaurant version—but fresher, lighter, and budget-friendly.
This copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is the perfect side dish for any Chinese-inspired meal and is so simple, you’ll never need takeout again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.
✔️ Better Than Takeout – Fresher ingredients, less oil, and more veggies.
✔️ One Pan – Minimal cleanup for busy weeknights.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the noodles:
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles (or substitute with fresh yakisoba or ramen—not instant ramen)
- 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, peanut, or canola)
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- ½ tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ÂĽ cup chicken stock (or cold water)
- ½ tbsp cornstarch (or potato/tapioca starch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles – Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch chow mein noodles for 20–30 seconds, just until loosened. Drain well (do not rinse).
- Stir-Fry the Veggies – Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for 1 minute until just softened.
- Combine Everything – Push veggies to the side of the pan. Add remaining oil, noodles, and sauce. Toss quickly until noodles are evenly coated in the savory sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove from heat and serve immediately alongside your favorite Chinese-inspired mains.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the noodles and veggies can turn mushy.
- Make Ahead: Prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to save time.
Pairing Suggestions
This chow mein goes perfectly with:
- Orange Chicken 🍊
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Mongolian Beef 🥩
- Honey Walnut Shrimp 🍤
- Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoons, or Hot & Sour Soup
Expert Tips for the Best Chow Mein
✨ Chop cabbage into thin strips so it blends well with noodles.
✨ Only blanch noodles briefly—overcooking makes them soggy.
✨ Prep everything before cooking. The stir-fry process is fast!
✨ For extra flavor, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
FAQ
Q: Can I make Panda Express Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes! It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
Q: Can I add protein?
Absolutely—chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or even scrambled eggs all work great.
Q: What do chow mein noodles look like?
They’re yellow egg noodles found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, substitute with yakisoba or fresh ramen noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe is quick, flavorful, and much healthier than takeout. With chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic-soy sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Pair it with your favorite Chinese-style main and enjoy a homemade feast in under 30 minutes!