Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 3 packages fresh yakisoba noodles or 1 lb. dried wheat noodles
5.6-oz.
- 1/2 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 c. 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 c.
- 4 large celery stalks
sliced on an angle, about 2 c.
- 1/2 medium white onion
diced, about 1 c.
- 3 cloves garlic
minced or grated
- 1 tbsp. minced or grated fresh ginger
Directions
- 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
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, pepper, sugar, and oyster sauce.
- 3
Heat wok over high (make sure it’s completely dry) and add oil. Once oil begins smoking, add cabbage, celery, and onions. Stir-fry, mixing frequently, until slightly softened and wilted, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4
Add noodles and, using tongs, toss until completely combined.
- 5
Give sauce a quick whisk and add to wok. Toss until combined and noodles are completely coated in sauce, being careful not to break noodles into small pieces.
Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
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About this Recipe
Craving that iconic, savory-sweet stir-fried noodle dish from your favorite fast-casual spot without leaving your kitchen? This copycat recipe brings the beloved Panda Express Chow Mein right to your table, delivering authentic flavors in a surprisingly quick and satisfying meal.
What makes this chow mein stand out is the masterful treatment of its vegetables. The cabbage and celery are cooked just slightly, ensuring they retain a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the tender noodles. This careful attention to texture is key to capturing the signature taste and feel you know and love from the original.
Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. You'll experience the satisfying chew of fresh yakisoba or classic wheat noodles, coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of fragrant sesame. The thinly sliced green cabbage and angled celery pieces offer a crisp, refreshing bite, complemented by the aromatic kick of fresh garlic and ginger, and the savory depth of diced white onion. This dish is savory, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting, hitting all the right notes for a truly satisfying and familiar meal experience.
While this recipe nails the classic profile, it's also adaptable. If fresh yakisoba noodles aren't available, standard dried wheat noodles work beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adjusting the type of soy sauce—though reduced-sodium is called for, you can experiment with regular if you prefer a saltier profile, just be mindful of the overall seasoning. Don't have white pepper? Black pepper offers a similar warming spice.
This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a flavorful, comforting meal in a flash, ready in about 20 minutes total. Serve it as a stand-alone main dish for a quick family dinner or as a fantastic side to other Asian-inspired entrees. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings.