The Tastiest Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe You Can Make

Chow mein from panda express delights taste buds with its colorful noodle medley.

Crisp vegetables and tender noodles dance together in a harmonious blend.

Quick and satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-style excitement to your kitchen.

Layered flavors emerge from each carefully seasoned strand of pasta.

Ingredients combine effortlessly to create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Perfectly balanced and richly seasoned, you’ll want to master this classic recipe.

Grab your wok and let the culinary adventure begin!

Panda Express Chow Mein That Tastes Just Right

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this Panda Express Chow Mein in under 20 minutes for a delicious dinner solution.
• Minimal Ingredient Challenge: Requires just a few pantry staples, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking without a complex shopping list.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Delivers restaurant-style flavor at a fraction of the cost, satisfying cravings without breaking the bank.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like chicken or tofu, or throwing in extra vegetables for a personalized touch.

Chow Mein Copycat Mix

• Chow Mein Noodles: Classic Chinese-style wheat noodles that serve as the primary foundation of the dish, perfect for absorbing flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

• Onion: Adds sweet and sharp flavor with a nice crisp texture when lightly cooked.
• Cabbage: Provides crunch and mild sweetness, traditional in Chinese stir-fry dishes.

• Garlic, Ginger Paste: Aromatic base that gives authentic Asian flavor profile, fresh or pre-prepared options work well.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami seasoning that deepens the overall dish complexity.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy Chinese sauce that adds rich depth to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Cook Panda Express Chow Mein

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Cook the chow mein noodles exactly as the package recommends.

Make sure they are perfectly al dente and not mushy.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high temperature.

The pan should be hot but not smoking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Sliced onions
• Shredded cabbage

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create Flavor Blend

• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger paste
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until completely combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked noodles into the vegetable-filled skillet.

Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 6: Final Heating

Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles are heated throughout.

Remove from heat when everything is steaming hot and well-blended.

Chow Mein Tips With Panda Style

• Choose fresh or par-boiled chow mein noodles for authentic texture and optimal flavor absorption.
• Combine sauce ingredients before cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and save time during stir-frying.
• Adjust vegetable cooking time to maintain desired texture – less time for crisp vegetables, more time for softer consistency.
• Experiment with sauce ratios to balance salty, sweet, and umami flavors according to personal preference.
• Easily add chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this dish into a complete meal with extra protein.

Chow Mein That Warms Without Losing Its Snap

• Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles to prevent drying, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.
• Quickly reheat chow mein in a hot skillet with a splash of oil, stirring constantly to maintain texture and prevent sticking.
• Seal cooled chow mein in freezer-safe containers, where it can stay good for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings For Chow Mein

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, savory noodle flavors with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Complement with Asian Beer: Light lagers like Tsingtao or Sapporo balance the salty soy sauce and provide a clean, smooth drinking experience.
• Match with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh lime juice, ginger ale, and mint for a zesty, non-alcoholic drink that echoes the dish's vibrant Asian-inspired seasonings.
• Enhance with Jasmine Green Tea: Delicate, subtly sweet tea cleanses the palate between bites and complements the umami-rich chow mein ingredients.

Chow Mein Vegetable Switches

• Gluten-Free Chow Mein: Replace regular noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain a wheat-free recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Add tofu or tempeh cubes for extra protein. Sauté protein first, then set aside and mix back into noodles at the end of cooking.
• Low-Carb Veggie Noodle Option: Substitute chow mein noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. Adjust cooking time to prevent vegetable noodles from becoming mushy.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Incorporate sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture. Add sliced jalapeños during vegetable sautéing for increased heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Are these noodles similar to traditional Chinese chow mein?

These noodles are an Americanized version of chow mein, inspired by Panda Express style, which differs from authentic Chinese preparations by being softer and less crispy.

• Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles, wheat noodles, or even linguine if you can’t find specific chow mein noodles, though the texture might slightly vary.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Currently, this recipe is vegetarian. However, you can easily add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more substantial.

• How spicy is this chow mein?

The recipe as written is mild. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or increase the black pepper to enhance the spiciness.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Panda Express chow mein brings zesty Asian-inspired noodles straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and quick preparation. Savory vegetables and tender noodles create a delicious copycat recipe you can easily master at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Noodles:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) chow mein noodles

Vegetables:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) sliced green cabbage
• 1 cup (150 grams) thinly sliced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they are al dente and have a slight bite.
2. Carefully drain the noodles in a colander, allowing excess water to completely escape, and set aside.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
4. Introduce sliced onions and shredded cabbage to the hot oil, gently tossing and stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a light golden color.
6. While vegetables are cooking, rapidly whisk together minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Transfer the perfectly cooked noodles into the wok with the sautéed vegetables, using tongs to distribute evenly.
8. Drizzle the prepared sauce mixture over the noodles and vegetables, carefully folding and turning to ensure comprehensive coating.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to heat thoroughly and merge flavors.
10. Remove from heat, plate immediately, and serve piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Noodle Selection Matters: Choose fresh or par-boiled chow mein noodles for authentic texture and best results.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Customize the dish by adding carrots, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Easily transform this vegetarian recipe by adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce quantities to match your preferred saltiness and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg