Panda Express Chow Mein

Instead of ordering takeout, make this easy Panda Express chow mein at home! This savory noodle dish hits all the right notes but costs a lot less. 

There’s something so satisfying about the tender-crisp veggies and slightly caramelized noodles. They soak up every bit of the signature umami-rich sauce!

Serve it alongside your favorite main course, or enjoy it solo.

This recipe makes it easy to create your favorite fast-food experience in your own kitchen. 

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Chow Mein

Quick & Easy: This Panda Express chow mein copycat recipe is a breeze to whip up. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave takeout but don’t want to leave the house.

Customizable Comfort: The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily add your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Or simply toss in extra veggies to make it your own. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity!

Crispy & Chewy Texture: The combination of slightly chewy noodles and crisp-tender vegetables creates an irresistible texture. It’s just like the restaurant version, only less expensive. 

Leftover Magic: These noodles taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight. Pack them for lunch, and you’ll be the envy of the office break room.

Ingredients

• Fresh Chow Mein Noodles: These yellow wheat noodles are slightly chewy and perfect for stir-frying. Find fresh ones in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. (Or Asian markets.) If you can’t find them, use Yakisoba noodles instead. 

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. It’s ideal for high-heat stir-frying.

• Onion, Celery, & Cabbage: The classic trio gives Panda Express chow mein its signature crunch and flavor. Cabbage adds sweetness, onions provide aromatic base notes, and celery adds texture.

• Garlic & Ginger: Fresh aromatics create the foundational Asian flavor profile. Garlic adds pungency, while ginger brings warmth and a slight spiciness.

• Soy Sauce: This dark, fermented sauce provides the dish with saltiness and umami flavor.

• Oyster Sauce: Rich and thick, it adds complex savory depths and a slight sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Balances the salty components and helps caramelize the noodles.

• Sesame Oil: This toasted oil adds a nutty aroma and enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

• White Pepper: It provides a clean, sharp heat characteristic of Chinese cooking. It’s more delicate than black pepper.

How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein

Like typical stir-fry recipes, this one comes together quickly and without any fuss.

1. Prepare the sauce. Whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Cook the noodles. Boil them until slightly undercooked. Then, drain them, rinse them with cold water, and set aside. 

3. Stir-fry veggies. Cook the onions and celery for 1 to 2 minutes in oil. Then, add the cabbage and stir-fry for another minute. 

4. Add the aromatics. Push the veggies to one side of the wok and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. 

5. Combine. Add the noodles and sauce to the wok. Toss well to coat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. (The noodles should absorb some of the sauce.) 

6. Adjust and serve. Remove the dish from heat and taste it. Adjust seasonings if needed and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Panda Express Chow Mein

Want to ensure this chow mein is restaurant-quality every time? Check out these tips. 

• Put in the prep work. Chop all the vegetables and prepare the sauce before cooking. Stir-frying is fast and leaves little room to pause for dicing vegetables. 

• Fresh is best. For an authentic Panda Express flavor, opt for fresh chow mein or yakisoba noodles. (Found in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores.) Also, slightly undercook them so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried with the sauce. 

• Heat up the wok/skillet. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the oil. This will ensure even cooking and a good sear on the stir-fry components. 

• Don’t overcook the veggies! Keep the vegetables slightly crunchy by limiting their stir-fry time. Doing so preserves the texture and freshness.

• Make it spicy. Add Sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for chow mein with a kick. 

• Try tasty add-ins. Add proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal. Or toss in snap peas, bean sprouts, or carrots for extra veggies.

What to Serve with Panda Express Chow Mein

You can serve this delicious chow mein with any of your favorite Asian-inspired main courses. Or you can pair it with additional sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings: 

• Teriyaki chicken
• Egg or spring rolls
• Dumplings or potstickers
• Chinese soups
• Orange chicken
• Any of these copycat Panda Express recipes

How to Store

If you have leftover chow mein, keep it! It tastes good for several days after making it. 

To Store: Allow the chow mein to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

To Reheat: Reheat chow mein in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to restore moisture and stir for 3-4 minutes. Or, microwave leftovers in a covered dish with a tablespoon of water for 2-3 minutes. Stir once halfway through.