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Panda Express Chow Mein: A Beloved Chinese Recipe You Can Perfect at Home

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

Recreate the iconic flavors of Panda Express at home with this delicious chow mein recipe. Featuring perfectly cooked noodles tossed with a colorful medley of crisp vegetables and coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish offers the ideal balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy a restaurant-quality Chinese meal that's surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen!

  • Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Noodles:

  • 300 g Chow mein noodles or egg noodles (Cook according to package instructions; drain and set aside)

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 cup Shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup Julienne carrots
  • 1/2 cup Bean sprouts (Add at the end for crunch)
  • 1/2 cup Thinly sliced celery
  • 1/2 medium Onion (thinly sliced)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp Hoisin sauce (Optional for extra depth)
  • 1 tsp Granulated sugar (Adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 tsp Sesame oil (For finishing; adds a nutty aroma)
  • 2 tbsp Water or chicken broth (To adjust sauce consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp Cornstarch (Dissolved in 1 tbsp water optional, for thickening)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced Optional, for extra aroma)
  • 1/2 tsp Fresh ginger (grated Optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking; set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  1. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Toss in the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes.

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

  1. Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, water (or broth), and the cornstarch slurry (if using).
  3. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing everything gently to ensure even coating.
  4. Stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and the flavors meld.
  5. Just before finishing, fold in the bean sprouts to maintain their crunch.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Transfer the chow mein to serving plates.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
  3. Serve immediately as a delicious, home-cooked Chinese meal.

Notes

  • For best texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should remain crisp and vibrant.
  • Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste—more sugar for sweetness or a dash more soy sauce for saltiness.
  • For added protein, toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu along with the vegetables.
  • This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while the noodles are fresh and the vegetables retain their crunch.

Enjoy your Panda Express Chow Mein—a beloved Chinese recipe you can perfect at home for a satisfying, flavorful meal!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/panda-express-chow-mein-a-beloved-chinese-recipe-you-can-perfect-at-home/