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Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe in a pan

How to Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein

This homemade Panda Express Chow Mein tastes just like the real thing! Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, cabbage, and noodles, this quick stir-fry is flavorful, budget-friendly, and comes together in just 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, asian
Servings 4 servings

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

Pro Tips
• 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.
Keyword Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
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