Panda Express Chow Mein

Panda Express Chow Mein

This copycat Panda Express chow mein recipe is better than what you get at the restaurant. It combines tender noodles, sweet onions, and crisp cabbage in a wonderful umami sauce.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces chow mein noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage

    about ⅓ cabbage

  • 1 cup thinly sliced onion

    about ½ medium onion

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste

    or grated ginger

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the 6 ounces chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

  2. 2

    Heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet, add the 1 cup thinly sliced onion, and 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage,and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until tender -about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl whisk together the 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and Salt and pepper to taste.

  4. 4

    Add the noodles to the skillet, pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, and stir to coat everything in sauce.

  5. 5

    Cook for a few minutes, remove from heat, and serve fresh!

Panda Express Chow Mein

Panda Express Chow Mein

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About this Recipe

Craving that signature Panda Express Chow Mein but want it even better, made fresh right in your own kitchen? This copycat recipe delivers authentic, restaurant-quality flavors that surpass the original, ready whenever the craving strikes.

What makes this chow mein stand out is the perfect balance of textures and a deeply flavorful umami sauce. It masterfully combines tender noodles with the sweet caramelization of onions and the satisfying crunch of crisp cabbage, all coated in a rich, savory blend of soy and hoisin, making it truly special.

What to Expect Prepare for a truly satisfying and flavorful experience that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese-American eatery. You'll find wonderfully chewy chow mein noodles perfectly intertwined with the sweet, delicate bite of thinly sliced onions and the fresh, slight crispness of green cabbage. The dish boasts a harmonious savory-sweet profile, deeply enhanced by the aromatic warmth of minced garlic and the subtle zing of ginger. All these elements are brought together by a robust umami sauce—a magical blend of soy and hoisin—that truly captures that beloved takeout taste, but with a fresh, homemade touch. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s deceptively simple to prepare, proving that restaurant-quality flavor is well within reach.

Customization & Variations This recipe shines with its classic vegetable combination, but don't hesitate to make it your own. You can easily adjust the salt and pepper to taste, or fine-tune the soy and hoisin for a slightly sweeter or more savory profile. If you're out of ginger paste, fresh grated ginger is an excellent alternative that provides the same bright, aromatic warmth.

Serving & Context This Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect as a satisfying main course for a quick weeknight meal or as a flavorful side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired entrees. It's a comforting crowd-pleaser that brings takeout convenience home.

Frequently Asked Questions