Panda Express Chow Mein

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

• 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

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

2. 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).

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan and fry onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute, until softened.

4. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the remaining oil, and then add the noodles and sauce.

5. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• 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

• Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

• To reheat, warm the noodles in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave them for a few minutes.

• 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.

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