Print

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe recreates the flavorful and classic Chinese-American stir-fried noodle dish featuring soft wheat noodles tossed with crunchy cabbage, celery, onions, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Perfect for a quick and satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles and Sauce

  • 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

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 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. Boil Noodles: Fill a wok or large, high-sided skillet with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the yakisoba or wheat noodles and cook for about 2 minutes, just until loosened and pliable. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside, ready for stir-frying.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, pepper, granulated sugar, and oyster sauce until well combined. This mixture will give the chow mein its signature balanced flavor.
  3. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat the wok on high heat and make sure it is completely dry before adding the vegetable or canola oil. Once the oil begins to smoke slightly, add the sliced cabbage, celery, and diced onions. Stir-fry while frequently mixing to ensure even cooking until the vegetables have softened just a bit and begin to wilt, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger and cook for about 1 minute more until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles back into the wok with the vegetables. Using tongs, toss the mixture thoroughly so the noodles are evenly combined and heated through with the veggies.
  5. Add Sauce and Combine: Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk, then pour it evenly over the noodle and vegetable mixture in the wok. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the noodles with the sauce, taking care not to break the noodles into small pieces. Cook just until everything is heated through and well combined.

Notes

  • Use fresh yakisoba noodles if available for the closest texture to Panda Express. Dried wheat noodles can be used but may need slightly longer boiling.
  • Make sure the wok or skillet is very hot before adding oil to achieve a good sear on the vegetables and prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or sugar as desired; this will customize sweetness and saltiness.
  • For added protein, stir-fry cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp separately and toss in at the final step.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers may become soggy.

Keywords: Panda Express chow mein copycat, Chinese stir-fried noodles, yakisoba noodles recipe, easy chow mein, Asian vegetable noodles

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