Love Panda Express’ Chow Mein but wish you can have it at home? Here’s how to make a copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe! This noodle recipe gives you all the flavor of your favorite takeout dish with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Panda Express’ Chow Mein is hands down one of my most loved sides on their menu, and for good reason. After all, it’s savory, slightly sweet, loaded with stir-fried veggies, and pairs perfectly with everything from Super Greens to Orange Chicken. But, after grabbing takeout one too many times, I realized I can make a homemade version that captures the iconic taste, for a fraction of the cost.
What makes this Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein so good?
This recipe satisfied my cravings for the real thing, without the extra grease or the mystery ingredients. I wanted a dish that had the same glossy noodles, tender veggies, and addictive sauce. Above all, I want to make them with fresh pantry staples. And let me tell you, this copycat version nailed it.
If you love Chinese food, this recipe is for you. It’s incredibly simple, comes together in less than 30 minutes, and is big on flavor. Whether you love Panda Express so much or simply meal-prepping, learning how to make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is going to be one of your best decisions ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
Here are the ingredients you will need to make the best copycat Panda Express Chow Mein at the comfort of your home. Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
For the Noodles:
- Yakisoba noodles or fresh chow mein noodles: gives the dish its signature chewy texture. Don’t forget to rinse and drain them before cooking!
- Neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil both work): helps give the dish that slightly charred finish you love in restaurant stir-fries.
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Adds a hint of sweetness and savory depth to this dish.
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced: brings body and crunch to this copycat Panda Express Chow Mein.
- Stalks of celery: when sliced on the bias, adds a subtle peppery flavor and crunchy texture.
- Garlic: that’s minced, add that unmistakable savory and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Spring onions: are optional. I highly recommend this though, because it makes for a great garnish and adds that deliciously fresh flavor to the Chow Mein.
For the Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Is the sauce’s savory backbone.
- Oyster sauce: is a must! It adds that umami depth to the sauce.
- Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar : adds a hint of tang to the sauce.
- Sesame oil: You only need a little though, because a splash goes a long way.
- Brown sugar: with its mild sweetness, balances out the saltiness with its mild sweetness.
- Cornstarch: will thicken the sauce slightly so it clings to the noodles.
- Water or chicken broth: to loosen the sauce and deglaze the pan.
- Pinch of white pepper: is optional, but this adds an authentic peppery kick.
Pro Tip: If you want a deeper color and more intense flavor, swap the low-sodium soy sauce with dark soy sauce.
How to Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
- Prep everything first. Slice all of your vegetables, then rinse and drain the noodles, and whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl to begin with. Everything cooks quickly once you start stir-frying altogether.
- Cook the aromatics. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Then, add sliced onion and celery and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add cabbage and garlic. Once added, stir-fry everything for another 1–2 minutes. You want the cabbage slightly wilted, but still crisp.
- Add the noodles. Then, toss in the drained noodles and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes. Let everything char a bit for added texture. This is the secret to that restaurant-style finish. Drizzle a little more oil if needed.
- Pour in the sauce. At this point, stir in your prepared sauce. Use tongs or two spatulas to toss everything together, until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and serve. Finally, top your chow mein with chopped spring onions, if using, then serve hot!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
- Don’t skip the charring. Let the noodles sit in the pan for a few seconds without stirring them to achieve that perfect chow mein texture.
- Prepping is key. Since stir-frying requires you to move fast, have all your ingredients within reach before you start cooking.
- Use a large wok or pan. Either of these will give your ingredients room to sear instead of steam.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Customize the flavor based on your preference by adding more soy sauce or sesame sauce accordingly.
- Add protein! If you want to make this chow mein a main dish, then add chicken, shrimp, or tofu by all means.
Why You Need to Make This Recipe
This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is the perfect combination of easy and delicious. Not only does it taste just like the real thing from Panda Express, but you also get to control the quality of your ingredients. Additionally, you can adjust the taste to your liking. Aside from that, it’s budget-friendly and comes together faster than a trip to the drive-thru, in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes, you can use that as a substitute in a pinch. Likewise, you can use ramen noodles. Just note that these won’t exactly be the same.
Most Asian grocery stores usually carry them. Similarly, many larger supermarkets stock them in the refrigerated or international section.
In case you don’t have oyster sauce available, you can use hoisin sauce or vegetarian mushroom stir-fry as alternatives.
Not at all. But you can add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Yes you can because this reheats well. Just make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container and warm it up in a skillet or microwave.
If you want to mix more vegetables for healthier stir-fried noodles, add carrots, bell peppers, or even bean sprouts.
Gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) is an excellent substitute for soy sauce. In addition to that, make sure that the noodles and sauces you choose are certified gluten-free.
Go for neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, because these can withstand high heat without altering the flavor.
Homemade Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
How to Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
Noodles & Veggies:
- 3 5.6 oz packs Yakisoba noodles or fresh chow mein noodles (rinsed & drained)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil vegetable or canola, plus more if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups green cabbage thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery thinly sliced on the bias
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions chopped (optional for garnish)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
- Pinch white pepper
Instructions
- Slice your veggies, rinse/drain noodles, and whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Once you start cooking, things move fast.
- If using fresh chow mein noodles, blanch for 30 seconds, rinse, and drain. If using shelf-stable yakisoba noodles, rinse under warm water and loosen gently with your hands. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add onion and celery. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until softened slightly.
- Add cabbage and garlic. Cook another 1–2 minutes, just until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still crisp.
- Drizzle a little more oil if needed. Add the drained noodles and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, letting them char slightly for texture.
- Pour the sauce over everything. Toss well with tongs or two spatulas until the noodles are fully coated and the sauce slightly thickens (2–3 minutes). The noodles should be glossy and saucy—not dry or wet.
- Add chopped green onions if using, and serve hot!
Notes
• Noodles: Don’t overcook! If boiling, undercook slightly, noodles will continue cooking in the wok.
• Texture: Use high heat for slight caramelization and a takeout-style wok flavor.
• Customization: Add mushrooms, carrots, or even chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
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