Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout with this Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe. It features tender noodles stir-fried with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce that perfectly balances soy and sesame. This dish is quick to prepare and makes a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 (5.6-oz.) packages fresh yakisoba noodles or 1 lb. dried wheat noodles
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. white or black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 4 large celery stalks, sliced on an angle (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 Tbsp. minced or grated fresh ginger

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a wok or large, high-sided skillet with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add noodles and cook just until loosened, about 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, pepper, sugar, and oyster sauce until smooth.
3. Step 3: Heat wok over high heat until completely dry, then add vegetable oil. Once the oil begins to smoke, add cabbage, celery, and onions. Stir-fry frequently until vegetables are slightly softened and wilted, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the wok and use tongs to toss everything together until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Whisk the sauce again briefly, then pour it over the noodles and vegetables in the wok. Toss carefully to coat the noodles evenly, taking care not to break them. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when you add the noodles in Step 4.
• If fresh yakisoba noodles aren’t available, spaghetti or lo mein noodles make good alternatives.
• Adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to taste for a sweeter or tangier sauce.
• Use a high-quality sesame oil for the best depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to keep the noodles moist. Avoid using a microwave for reheating to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh yakisoba noodles?

Yes, dried wheat noodles are a good substitute. Cook them according to the package instructions until just tender before adding them to the stir-fry.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the oyster sauce and use a vegetarian mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce for umami flavor. Also, ensure the noodles and other ingredients do not contain animal products.

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe delivers the iconic Chinese-American stir-fried noodle dish with fresh yakisoba or dried wheat noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce and mixed with crisp cabbage, celery, onions, garlic, and ginger. Perfect as a homemade version of a takeout favorite, it features a quick stir-fry technique that results in tender noodles and vibrant vegetables coated with a flavorful blend of soy, sesame, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles

• 3 (5.6-oz.) packages fresh yakisoba noodles or 1 lb. dried wheat noodles

Sauce

• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. white or black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 4 large celery stalks, sliced on an angle (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 Tbsp. minced or grated fresh ginger

Instructions

1. Cook Noodles: Fill a wok or large, high-sided skillet with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook just until loosened, about 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, pepper, sugar, and oyster sauce until well combined and smooth.
3. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat the wok over high heat ensuring it is completely dry before adding the vegetable oil. When the oil begins to smoke, add the sliced cabbage, celery, and diced onions. Stir-fry while mixing frequently until the vegetables are slightly softened and wilted, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Toss Noodles with Vegetables: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Using tongs, toss the noodles thoroughly with the vegetables until evenly combined.
5. Add Sauce and Finish: Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the noodles in the wok. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly with the sauce, being careful to avoid breaking the noodles into smaller pieces. Cook briefly to warm through, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use fresh yakisoba noodles for authenticity, but dried wheat noodles work well as a substitute after rehydrating.
• Make sure the wok and oil are hot before adding vegetables to achieve proper stir-fry texture.
• Customize with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms if desired.
• Ensure noodles are drained well to prevent sogginess.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce or omit.

Keywords: Panda Express, Chow Mein, Chinese-American, Stir-Fry Noodles, Yakisoba, Takeout Copycat, Quick Dinner, Vegetable Noodles