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Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe delivers a delicious blend of tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that perfectly mimics the popular takeout favorite. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it makes for a satisfying homemade dish anytime you’re craving flavorful Chinese-American cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
  • 2 scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)

Noodles

  • 1 pack of chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet

Cooking Oil

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

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

  1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined. Set this savory mixture aside to allow the cornstarch to blend well with the liquids.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, celery, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant, tender, yet still slightly crisp.
  3. Add the Noodles: Add the chow mein or yakisoba noodles along with their seasoning packet to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles and veggies evenly with flavor.
  4. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will heat the noodles through completely and allow some edges to crisp up slightly to add texture.
  5. Serve: Garnish the chow mein with the reserved sliced scallions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade rendition of this classic Panda Express dish.

Notes

  • Use chow mein or yakisoba noodles depending on availability; both work well for this recipe.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
  • Adjust the brown sugar amount if you want a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
  • For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the vegetable sauté step.
  • Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; keep some crispness for the best texture contrast.

Keywords: Panda Express, Chow Mein, Chinese-American, homemade chow mein, stir-fry noodles, easy dinner, copycat recipe

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/panda-express-chow-mein-recipe/