Name: Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded; 2 scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish); 1 pack of chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp garlic paste; 1 tsp ginger paste; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Introduction

Panda Express Chow Mein is a classic takeout favorite you can easily make at home. This stir-fried noodle dish combines tender vegetables and savory sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

A close-up view of stir-fried noodles on a white plate with a dark blue edge and pattern, showing one main layer of golden-brown noodles mixed evenly with scattered pieces of light green celery, white onion slices, and chopped green onions. The noodles have a slightly glossy texture from sauce, and vegetable pieces are mixed throughout, giving a fresh and colorful contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some green blurred leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
2 scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
1 pack chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, celery, and shredded cabbage. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the noodles and the seasoning packet to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through and develop slightly crispy edges.
Step 5: Garnish the chow mein with the reserved sliced scallions and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the last few minutes of cooking.
Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of paste for a more vibrant flavor.
If you like your vegetables more crisp, reduce sauté time slightly.
Substitute olive oil with sesame oil for a nuttier aroma.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles made from rice or another gluten-free grain.

Storage

Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles moist. Avoid prolonged reheating to keep the texture fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with a generous layer of cooked noodles coated in a shiny brown sauce mixed with pieces of light green bok choy, white onion chunks, and sliced green onions, spread evenly throughout. The noodles form the main layer, tangled and glossy, with the vegetables adding pops of green and white scattered on top and within. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with part of a white cloth visible near it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh noodles instead of packaged chow mein noodles?

Yes, fresh chow mein or egg noodles work well. Adjust cooking time slightly since fresh noodles cook faster and can become mushy if overcooked.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply omit oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian mushroom sauce, and make sure your noodles and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.