Make Panda Express Chow Mein in 15 Minutes Quick & Easy

Panda Express Chow Mein is one of the most beloved dishes on their menu. With its combination of chewy noodles, savory sauce, and crispy vegetables, it’s no surprise that it has become a go-to choice for many. The best part? You don’t have to wait in line or deal with takeout containers to enjoy it. This homemade Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and can easily be made in one pan.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Panda Express Chow Mein at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this dish is quick, easy, and highly customizable to suit your tastes.

What is Panda Express Chow Mein?

Chow Mein, a staple in Chinese cuisine, refers to stir-fried noodles mixed with a savory sauce and vegetables. In Panda Express, the Chow Mein features egg noodles that are stir-fried with cabbage, celery, onions, and a light yet flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that balances texture, flavor, and nutrition. The noodles have a slight chew, while the vegetables provide crunch and freshness.

Here’s the best part: you can recreate this restaurant-style dish at home in just a fraction of the time.

Why Make Panda Express Chow Mein at Home?

Making Panda Express Chow Mein at home comes with a variety of benefits, such as:

• Customization: You control the ingredients! You can add your favorite veggies, protein, or even make it vegetarian.
• Fresher Ingredients: Homemade means fresher, healthier ingredients.
• Cost-Efficient: Skip the takeout fees and make a tasty meal at a fraction of the cost.
• Speed: This recipe can be cooked in under 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Essential Ingredients for Panda Express Chow Mein

To create the perfect Panda Express Chow Mein, the ingredients matter. But don’t worry! These ingredients are simple to find at most grocery stores or Asian markets.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Chow Mein Noodles

• What they are: These are yellow noodles made from wheat flour, water, and egg. They have a chewy texture and are perfect for stir-frying.
• Substitutes: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can substitute with fresh ramen noodles or yaki soba noodles. Just avoid instant ramen.

Vegetables

• Cabbage: Regular green cabbage is ideal. You want it to stay crispy when stir-fried. Avoid using napa cabbage, as it releases too much moisture.
• Celery: Celery adds a nice crunch to the dish. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it out for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
• Onion: A small onion will add flavor and sweetness to balance the dish.

Sauce Ingredients

• Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is the base of the sauce, giving it that classic umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: This adds richness and a savory depth of flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce gives the dish its deeper color and additional depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular soy sauce but adjust the quantity.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor that is characteristic of Chinese dishes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic will enhance the dish with its aromatic qualities.
• Chicken Stock: For the best flavor, use low-sodium chicken stock. It helps to loosen the sauce and creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce and ensure it sticks to the noodles.

Cooking Oil

• Neutral Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil for stir-frying. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn during stir-frying.

Instructions for Panda Express Chow Mein

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:

   • 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
   • ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
   • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
   • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
   • 2 minced garlic cloves
   • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock (or cold water)
   • ½ tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch

   Set the sauce aside.

2. Blanch the Noodles
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fresh chow mein noodles and blanch for 20-30 seconds, just until the noodles are loosened. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse them with water to keep the starch intact.

3. Cook the Vegetables
   Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable oil) in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the following sliced vegetables:

   • 1 small onion
   • 2 cups sliced cabbage
   • 1 cup sliced celery

   Stir-fry the vegetables for about 1 minute, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

4. Add Noodles and Sauce
   Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Add another tablespoon of oil in the empty space and toss in the noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the sauce coats the noodles evenly.

5. Serve
   Once the noodles are well coated in the sauce and the dish is heated through, remove the pan from heat. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein!

Notes

• Prep Ahead: To save time, prep all the ingredients before starting the cooking process, as stir-frying happens quickly.
• Noodle Substitutes: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can use fresh ramen or yaki soba noodles. Avoid instant ramen noodles, as they won’t provide the same texture.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the celery for snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn. You can also substitute the cabbage with bok choy for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• For Extra Flavor: Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a less salty or more savory taste, adjust the soy sauce or oyster sauce to your liking.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Panda Express Chow Mein

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Panda Express Chow Mein:

1. Prepare the Noodle Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Mix everything well and set aside.

2. Blanch the Chow Mein Noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the chow mein noodles and blanch them for about 20-30 seconds. You just want to loosen them up; don’t overcook them. Once done, strain the noodles and set them aside. Don’t rinse them with water—this helps the noodles retain their starch and stick better to the sauce later.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
   Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables are just starting to soften but still retain some crunch.

4. Add the Noodles and Sauce
   Push the veggies to the side of the pan. Add another tablespoon of oil into the empty space, and then add the cooked noodles. Pour the pre-made sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken and the noodles absorb the flavors.

5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once everything is well-mixed and the noodles are coated with the sauce, take the pan off the heat. Serve your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!

How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein at Home

Ready to recreate this restaurant classic? Follow these simple steps to make your very own Panda Express Chow Mein:

1. Prepare the Noodle Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this sauce aside for later.

2. Blanch the Noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add your chow mein noodles. Blanch them for about 20-30 seconds until they’re loosened up, but not fully cooked. You want them just soft enough to stir-fry later. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse the noodles with water; this helps the starches stay intact and helps the sauce stick.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 1 minute, or until they’re softened but still slightly crisp. You want them to keep their bite, so don’t overcook them.

4. Add the Noodles and Sauce
   Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to one side of the pan. Add another tablespoon of oil into the empty space and add the noodles. Pour the pre-prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the noodles evenly.

5. Serve
   Once the noodles are coated in sauce and everything is well-mixed, take the pan off the heat. Serve your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein hot, and enjoy the flavors!

Tips for the Perfect Panda Express Chow Mein

To take your Chow Mein to the next level, follow these expert tips:

• Prep Everything Before You Start Cooking: The cooking process goes quickly, so having your ingredients chopped and ready will help you stay on track.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat gives the noodles a crispy texture and ensures that the vegetables retain their crunch.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: When blanching the noodles, 20-30 seconds is all you need. If you cook them too long, they’ll become mushy.
• Be Gentle When Tossing: Over-stirring can break the noodles and make them soggy. Toss them gently to keep the noodles intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chow Mein

Even though this recipe is quick and easy, there are a few mistakes that could ruin your Panda Express Chow Mein. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using the Wrong Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles are key to achieving the right texture. Avoid using dried noodles as they won’t have the same chewy consistency.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the noodles and vegetables to have space to cook evenly.
• Not Blanching the Noodles Properly: Blanching the noodles for too long can make them soggy. Make sure they are only in the boiling water for about 20-30 seconds.
• Ignoring the Sauce Ratios: The sauce is the heart of the dish. If you add too much soy sauce or too little, the flavor balance will be off. Stick to the recommended ratios for the perfect sauce consistency.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish is usually too good to last long!), here’s how to store and reheat your Panda Express Chow Mein:

• Storage: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply add a bit of oil or water to a non-stick pan and heat it on medium. Stir-fry the noodles for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can Panda Express Chow Mein sit out?

Panda Express Chow Mein should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When reheating, be sure to heat it thoroughly before eating.

2. How to cook Sun Luck Chow Mein noodles?

To cook Sun Luck Chow Mein noodles, follow these simple steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are soft and loose.
• Drain the noodles in a colander, but do not rinse them. This helps the noodles stay starchy and absorb the sauce better.
• Toss the cooked noodles in a stir-fry with your choice of vegetables and sauce for a delicious meal.

3. Is there celery in Chow Mein?

Yes, many traditional Chow Mein recipes, including the Panda Express version, include celery. Celery adds a crunchy texture and a slightly refreshing flavor. However, if you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even bean sprouts.

4. Can I make Chow Mein with different types of noodles?

Yes! While traditional Chow Mein is made with egg noodles, you can use various types of noodles, such as yakisoba, ramen, or even rice noodles. The texture and flavor may vary, but each type of noodle can work well in a stir-fry.

5. Can I add protein to my Panda Express Chow Mein?

Absolutely! You can enhance your Chow Mein by adding protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein separately, then add it to the stir-fried noodles and vegetables for a more filling and balanced meal.