If you have ever craved that classic takeout flavor that warms you up and keeps you coming back for more, this Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It delivers perfectly stir-fried noodles tossed with crisp, tender vegetables and a savory sauce that sings with hints of soy, oyster, and sesame. This dish not only captures the essence of the iconic restaurant version but elevates it with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch that feels as satisfying as that first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is easier than you might think, and each element plays a vital role in creating the authentic taste and irresistible texture of Panda Express chow mein. From garlic that builds the base flavor to crunchy vegetables that brighten the dish, every item contributes to a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic.
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil: The ideal neutral oil to achieve a perfect stir-fry without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the noodles and veggies.
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and a pleasant bite when cooked just right.
- 1/2 cup Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced: Introduces crispness and a pop of natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Cabbage, shredded: Brings a tender crunch and lovely bulk to the dish.
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper, thinly sliced (optional): Adds color and a subtle hint of freshness.
- 1 pack (7 oz) Chow Mein Noodles (fresh or dry): The star ingredient, these noodles soak up sauce beautifully for that authentic texture.
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce: Delivers the salty, umami backbone every chow mein needs.
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce: Adds depth, a touch of sweetness, and a savory richness.
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce: A sweet, tangy layer that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: Gives a toasty, nutty aroma and flavor that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Balances out the savory components with just a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 2-3 Green Onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh bite and brightens the presentation.
How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your vegetables are sliced thinly and uniformly. This ensures every bite has the perfect mix of flavors and textures. If you’re using dry chow mein noodles, cook them according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Warm your vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onions start turning translucent. This step is crucial because it builds the foundation for the entire dish’s flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to remain crisp but tender enough to soak up the sauce. Maintaining this balance is key to nailing the Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe’s signature bite.
Step 4: Add the Noodles and Sauces
Now it’s noodle time! Add your prepared chow mein noodles to the pan and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the mix. Toss everything together with tongs or chopsticks to ensure every strand of noodle gets coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Toss
Give the entire dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the noodles to get slightly crispy edges. Your Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe is almost ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are your best friend here. Sprinkle them generously for a fresh pop of color and mild sharpness that brightens the overall dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This chow mein pairs perfectly with crispy egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or simply a bowl of hot and sour soup. These sides create a balanced meal that satisfies all cravings at once.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chow mein in individual pineapple bowls for a tropical flair or mix in some cashews or toasted sesame seeds on top to add texture and an extra flavor punch. Presentation can turn a simple meal into a festive feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to deepen after sitting for a bit.
Freezing
While chow mein is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, freeze before adding garnishes and carefully thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chow mein in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of oil to revive its original texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make noodles mushy. Toss quickly to warm through and refresh the crispness of the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian alternative, and use vegetable broth or soy sauce to maintain that rich flavor. The veggies and sauces themselves provide ample savory goodness.
What type of noodles should I use?
Authentic chow mein noodles are thin, yellow egg noodles, either fresh or dried. If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or lo mein noodles for a similar effect.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Nope, the classic Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe is more savory and slightly sweet rather than spicy. Feel free to add chili flakes or Sriracha if you want to kick up the heat.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu all make excellent additions. Cook your protein first, set it aside, and toss it in during the final toss with noodles and sauce to blend all the flavors.
How do I get the noodles crispy like in the restaurant?
For crispy edges, cook the noodles in a hot oiled pan without stirring too much at first. Let them sit for a bit to crisp up before tossing. Be careful not to burn them—just a light golden crisp is perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished you could bring that unmistakable Panda Express chow mein magic into your own kitchen, this Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe is your answer. It’s approachable, delicious, and sure to become a household favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your wok and dive in—you’re about to enjoy some seriously tasty noodles!
Print
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe recreates the classic Chinese-American stir-fried noodle dish with a perfect balance of savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and tender chow mein noodles. It offers a quick and flavorful entree ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup Bell Pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2–3 Green Onions, chopped (for garnish)
Noodles and Sauces
- 1 pack (7 oz) Chow Mein Noodles (fresh or dry)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, rinse under cold water and drain to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and optional bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine Sauces: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined. This mixture will provide the signature savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Stir-fry Noodles with Vegetables: Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and toss everything together carefully but thoroughly using tongs or chopsticks to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and distribute the vegetables.
- Season and Finish: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite Chinese-inspired entrees.
Notes
- You can substitute chow mein noodles with thin egg noodles if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, replace oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef to make it a protein-rich meal.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste or omit for a less sweet dish.
- Fresh vegetables can be swapped or added according to season and preference.
