Panda Express Chow Mein

If you’ve ever craved the savory, flavorful goodness of Panda Express’s Chow Mein, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings that signature restaurant taste straight to your kitchen, minus the long wait in line. Think stir-fried noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce with a perfect balance of soy and garlic flavors, plus a bit of crunch from crispy veggies. It’s comfort food, Asian-style, and one of the easiest dishes to make at home. Whether you’re serving it as a side to your favorite main course or enjoying it as a meal all on its own, this Chow Mein will definitely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Chow Mein

Quick & Easy

This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a quick lunch when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have much time. Stir-frying your ingredients is a fast process, and once you start, you’ll have this dish ready to devour before you know it.

Flavorful & Savory

The sauce for this Chow Mein is everything—it’s the perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, giving the noodles that signature flavor we all love. The crispy vegetables add texture and freshness, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of depth.

Customizable

You can easily tweak this recipe based on your preferences. Add some chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a more filling meal. You can also swap out veggies depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.

Great for Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), this Chow Mein tastes just as good the next day. Simply reheat it in a pan or microwave for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chow Mein Noodles:

• Chow Mein Noodles: You’ll need fresh or dried Chow Mein noodles. Fresh noodles give the dish that authentic chewy texture, but dried noodles work just fine too if that’s what you have available.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying the noodles and veggies, making sure everything gets nice and crispy.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that salty, savory base flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
• Oyster Sauce: A key ingredient for that deep umami flavor. It’s what gives this dish that rich, satisfying taste.
• Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar balances out the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant, zesty element to the sauce and adds depth to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: For that distinctive, nutty flavor. It’s optional, but it really adds something special to the sauce.

For the Veggies:

• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds some crunch and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory noodles.
• Carrots: Julienned carrots bring a pop of color and a little sweetness to balance the dish.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a bit of sharpness to the Chow Mein.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Cook the Noodles:

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Chow Mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. If you’re using fresh noodles, be careful not to overcook them.

Prepare the Sauce:

2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil (if using), and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

5. Add the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything and toss it all together, making sure the noodles are coated evenly with the sauce.
6. Stir-Fry: Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is hot and well combined.

Serve:

7. Plate and Enjoy: Once everything is well-mixed and the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove from heat and serve. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbs per serving: 40g
Protein per serving: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein

As a Side Dish:

This Chow Mein is perfect alongside your favorite Chinese takeout-inspired dishes, like General Tso’s chicken, Kung Pao chicken, or sweet and sour pork. It’s an easy side that balances out those rich, savory flavors.

As a Main Dish:

If you’re in the mood for something filling and hearty, serve this Chow Mein as the main event. You can toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

With a Crisp Salad:

To lighten things up, pair your Chow Mein with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple cucumber and sesame salad or an Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing would be a perfect contrast.

As a Leftover Lunch:

This Chow Mein reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to pack leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s the perfect meal to take to work or school!

Additional Tips

Add Protein:

For a more filling dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef. You can even add a scrambled egg for extra texture and flavor.

Adjust the Heat:

If you like things spicy, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It’ll give the Chow Mein a little extra kick.

Veggie Variations:

If you prefer different vegetables, feel free to swap out the cabbage or carrots for other stir-fry-friendly veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.

Make It Ahead:

If you’re short on time, you can make the noodles and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just reheat everything together in a pan when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different noodles for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use any stir-fry noodles you like, such as lo mein or rice noodles. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Simply leave out the meat and add more veggies or tofu for protein. It’s just as delicious without the meat!

Q3: Can I freeze leftover Chow Mein?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the Chow Mein for up to 2 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra soy sauce or water to refresh the flavors.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. Stir-fry them along with the cabbage and carrots.

Q5: How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
A5: After cooking the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. You can also toss them with a little oil before adding them to the skillet.

Q6: Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
A6: Yes, but keep in mind that regular soy sauce is saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Q7: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time. Just stir-fry everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A8: Sure! You can substitute garlic powder if needed, but fresh garlic will give a stronger flavor.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A9: Reheat the Chow Mein in a pan over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or wok to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a must-try if you’re craving that delicious stir-fried noodle dish at home. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. The best part? It tastes just like the real deal!

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