If you love takeout as much as I do, you’re going to love this homemade version of Panda Express Chow Mein. Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home means you know exactly what goes into your food—and honestly, the flavor is even better.
The best part? This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Faster than takeout: Ready in under 20 minutes
- Simple ingredients: No complicated shopping list
- Better flavor: Fresh, homemade, and customizable
- Budget-friendly: Skip the delivery fees
This chow mein is so good, you might find yourself eating it straight from the pan—no main dish required!
What is Yaki-Soba?
Yaki-soba noodles are soft, pre-cooked ramen-style noodles typically found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. They cook quickly and are perfect for stir-fry dishes like chow mein.
Ingredients
- 2 (5.6 oz) packages refrigerated Yaki-Soba noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
Instructions
1. Prepare the noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes until loosened. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, and white pepper.
3. Cook the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and celery, cooking for 3–4 minutes until tender.
Stir in cabbage and cook for another minute.
4. Combine everything
Add the noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for about 2 minutes until well coated and heated through.
5. Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express chow mein copycat is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Once you try it homemade, you might never go back to takeout again!