Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Panda Express Chow Mein is a delicious and easy-to-make stir-fry noodle dish that brings the classic flavors of the popular Chinese-American takeout dish straight to your kitchen. With its chewy noodles, savory sauce, and crisp vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made in just 15 minutes! This version is made with minimal oil and more vegetables for a healthier twist, while still maintaining the satisfying flavor you love.
Ingredients
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Fresh chow mein noodles (or fresh yaki soba or ramen noodles)
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Celery
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Green cabbage
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Onion
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Neutral oil (e.g., avocado, sunflower, or vegetable oil)
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Soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos)
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Oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
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Dark soy sauce
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Sesame oil
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Garlic
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Chicken stock (low-sodium)
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Cornstarch
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
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Bring a large pan of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch the chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain and set aside (do not rinse with water).
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan and fry onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute, until softened.
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Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the remaining oil, and then add the noodles and sauce.
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Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian: Omit the chicken stock or use vegetable stock instead.
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Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
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Noodles: You can swap chow mein noodles with any stir-fry noodle like yaki soba or fresh ramen noodles.
Storage/Reheating
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Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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To reheat, warm the noodles in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave them for a few minutes.
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This dish is not freezer-friendly, as the vegetables and noodles may become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use any kind of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, fresh chow mein noodles work best, but you can substitute with fresh ramen or yaki soba noodles.
2. Can I use a different type of oil?
You can substitute the neutral oil with other oils that have a high smoke point, like peanut or grapeseed oil, but avoid using olive oil.
3. How do I blanch the noodles properly?
Simply bring a pan of water to a boil and blanch the noodles for 20-30 seconds, just until they loosen. Do not overcook them.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check the noodles to ensure they are gluten-free.
5. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce as an alternative to oyster sauce.
6. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
Do not stir-fry the noodles for too long once the sauce is added, as this can cause them to become soggy.
7. Can I freeze Panda Express Chow Mein?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the vegetables and noodles may change upon thawing.
8. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce to spice it up to your liking.
9. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for extra flavor and texture.
10. Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of stock, but stock gives a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout dish at home. With simple ingredients, a short cooking time, and lots of room for customization, it's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something savory. Enjoy it as a side dish or make it a main by adding your favorite protein.
Panda Express Chow Mein
Panda Express Chow Mein is a quick and delicious stir-fry noodle dish made with fresh vegetables, savory sauce, and chewy noodles. A healthier, homemade version of the popular Chinese-American takeout dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fresh chow mein noodles (or fresh yaki soba or ramen noodles)
Celery
Green cabbage
Onion
Neutral oil (e.g., avocado, sunflower, or vegetable oil)
Soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos)
Oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
Dark soy sauce
Sesame oil
Garlic
Chicken stock (low-sodium)
Cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch the chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain and set aside (do not rinse with water).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan and fry onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute, until softened.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the remaining oil, and then add the noodles and sauce.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken stock or use vegetable stock instead.
- Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
- Noodles: You can swap chow mein noodles with any stir-fry noodle like yaki soba or fresh ramen noodles.
- Storage/Reheating: Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a non-stick pan or microwave. Not freezer-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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