Easy Homemade Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe That Beats Takeout

Crispy vegetables and savory noodles dance together in this delightful panda express chow mein that brings restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Stir-frying becomes an art with simple ingredients and quick techniques.

Authentic flavors emerge from carefully selected seasonings and fresh produce.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity and comfort.

Noodles twist and turn, creating a delectable symphony of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or tasted this incredible.

Dive into a plate that promises to transport you to flavor paradise.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with other Asian noodles like lo mein or even spaghetti if needed. Just ensure you cook them al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

This version is vegetarian, but you can easily add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want more substance. Simply cook your protein separately and mix it in during the final cooking stage.

• How spicy is this chow mein?

The recipe as written is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to customize the spice level to your preference.

Why This Panda Express Chow Mein Is So Addictive

• Customize with Ease: Toss in your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this recipe your personal culinary creation.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for home cooks looking to save money while enjoying restaurant-quality flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this delicious stir-fry in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Cooking Magic: Simplify your cooking process by using a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe a stress-free dining experience.

Ingredients Needed for Flavor-Packed Chow Mein

• Chow Mein Noodles: Classic Chinese wheat noodles that provide the hearty base for this stir-fry dish.

• Onion, Green Cabbage: Crisp vegetables that add texture and a subtle sweetness to the chow mein.

• Garlic, Ginger Paste: Aromatic ingredients that bring depth and authentic Asian flavor to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Traditional Chinese sauces that create a rich, savory flavor profile for the noodles.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for stir-frying the vegetables and creating a smooth cooking surface.

How to Prepare Panda Express Chow Mein at Home

Step 1: Boil Noodles to Perfection

Grab your chow mein noodles and cook them following the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain the noodles completely and set them aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Vegetables

• Thinly sliced onions
• Sliced green cabbage

Stir and cook these veggies until they’re tender and slightly golden, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Minced garlic
• Ginger paste
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a harmonious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Marry the Noodles and Sauce

Slide the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything, then gently toss and stir to ensure every single noodle gets coated in deliciousness. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Remove the skillet from heat and serve your homemade Panda Express-style chow mein immediately. Get ready for a seriously tasty meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips to Nail Your Chow Mein Every Time

• Avoid overcooking noodles by checking package instructions and tasting them before draining to ensure they're perfectly al dente.
• Keep vegetables slightly crisp by not overcooking; aim for a tender-crisp texture that maintains their natural flavor and nutrition.
• Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for an authentic Asian restaurant-style taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the final cooking stage to transform this into a complete meal.

Variations to Customize Panda Express Chow Mein

• Protein Power: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal that transforms the original recipe into a complete main course.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to create a fiery version that brings extra heat and excitement to the classic chow mein.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Replace cabbage with mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli for a colorful and nutrient-rich alternative that adds more texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the authentic stir-fry experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Panda Express Chow Mein

• Sip Crisp Asian Beer: Grab a light Asian lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cut through the noodles' richness and complement the savory sauce.
• Add Zesty Side Salad: Create a tangy cucumber and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm noodles.
• Enhance with Protein Boost: Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or crispy orange shrimp to transform the chow mein into a complete, satisfying meal that adds protein and depth.

How to Keep Panda Express Chow Mein Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Transfer cooled chow mein to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1-2 months without compromising taste quality.
• Place chow mein in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Panda Express chow mein noodles deliver authentic Chinese-American flavor straight to home kitchens. Quick and simple ingredients combine for a restaurant-quality meal that brings delicious comfort directly to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein 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. Prepare the noodles by cooking them according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess water to drip off.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add thinly sliced onions and green cabbage to the hot pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables become slightly softened and translucent.
4. Create the flavor base by combining minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Transfer cooked noodles into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables.
6. Toss and stir the mixture vigorously, ensuring every strand of noodle and vegetable is coated with the savory sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
7. Remove from heat and plate immediately. Serve hot for the most authentic and delicious experience.

Notes

• Swap wheat noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Toast sesame seeds or add green onions as a crunchy, flavorful garnish to enhance texture and presentation.
• Boost protein content by incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu directly into the stir-fry for a more substantial meal.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt to make the dish heart-healthier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg