Panda Express Chow Mein The Ultimate HomeCook Knockoff

Panda Express Chow Mein My Quick Easy Copycat

By Jasmine LiJune 29, 2025

Skip the takeout This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a ridiculously easy copycat ready in 35 Perfect for a quick chow mein dinner that tastes just like the real deal Get the recipe ... Noodles

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for panda express chow mein ? Honestly, me too! This recipe nails that savory, slightly sweet flavor you love. It's like your favourite takeaway, but way fresher.

Brief Overview

Chow mein is a Chinese-American staple. It's quick, easy, and satisfying. This homemade panda express chow mein is a medium-level dish.

Expect it ready in around 35 minutes, and this recipe serves 4 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This vegetable chow mein recipe is packed with nutrients. Plus, it's way healthier than ordering in. It's perfect for a quick chow mein dinner any night of the week.

You're gonna feel so smug making this! And it is totally a recipe for the gods!

Ingredients: Let's Get This Show on the Road

Alright, you ready to start? This copycat chow mein panda express recipe needs some tasty ingredients. Let's start with noodles and fresh veggies for the chow mein recipe .

Noodle Prep: The Foundation of Flavour

We will use a pound of fresh or dried authentic chow mein noodles . Toss them with a tablespoon of oil to stop them sticking! You'll need to cook them.

Remember, slightly undercooked is better, because they will cook more in the wok!.

Veggie Medley: A Symphony of Textures

Next, grab your favorite veggies. I'm using onion, celery, cabbage, and carrots. Sliced mushrooms are good too. These'll add a nice crunch and flavour to your restaurant style chow mein recipe .

Saucy Business: The Secret Weapon

Don't forget your sauce ! You'll need soy sauce, oyster sauce (or a vegetarian version), dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, water, and cornstarch.

This is gonna give you that panda express chow mein recipe copycat flavour.

Time to fire up the wok

We have all our ingredients. Now we need equipment. Let's get cooking!.

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Panda Express Chow Mein dream a reality. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to create a copycat chow mein panda express at home.

Ingredients & Equipment Deconstructed

Let's break down the stuff you'll need.

Main Ingredients

Chow Mein Noodles: 1 pound (454g) . Fresh or dried, it does not matter. I prefer the fresh ones if I can find them, but dried work perfectly fine. Just make sure to cook them right! The authentic chow mein noodles texture is crucial.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for tossing noodles and 1 tablespoon (15ml) for stir-frying.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium , thinly sliced. About 1 cup .
Celery: 2 stalks , thinly sliced. Aim for about 1 cup .
Shredded Cabbage: ½ cup (50g) .
Sliced Carrots: ¼ cup (25g) .
Shiitake Mushrooms (optional): 1/2 cup .
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Vegetarian alternative ok!
Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This is for that awesome colour. Don't stress if you don't have it.
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . The flavor enhancer
Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
White Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Water: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .

When picking ingredients, I look for firm veggies. For soy sauce, I use low sodium; the goal is a restaurant-style chow mein recipe without all the sodium.

Seasoning Notes

The essential spice combinations make this dish. The soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil combo is classic. Add a pinch of white pepper. It gives it that distinctive flavour.

Want a sub for oyster sauce? Hoisin is OK. Adjust sweetness to taste. This quick chow mein dinner relies on readily available flavour.

Equipment Needed

You don't need loads.

Large wok or large skillet. I'm using a normal skillet because I have a ceramic cooktop, which is not ideal for a wok
Large pot (if boiling noodles).
Mixing bowls.
Measuring cups/spoons.

Honestly, if you have a decent pan and some measuring spoons, you're set. Creating your own homemade Panda Express Chow Mein doesn’t require fancy gear.

A good set of tongs helps for tossing, but who needs them anyway! I bet you have a spatula.

I've always loved vegetable chow mein recipe . It's such a great meal for a easy weeknight chow mein . This Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe Copycat is no different.

Alright, let’s dive right into making some panda express chow mein at home. Honestly, who doesn't love a good copycat chow mein panda express recipe? It's cheaper than takeout and you can totally customize it.

It is also super gratifying to make something that tastes like the real deal.

Panda Express Chow Mein The Ultimate HomeCook Knockoff presentation

Cooking Method: Wok This Way!

We're basically going for a stir-fry technique here. It's all about speed and high heat. This method helps seal in the flavors, so the noodles don't get all soggy.

Trust me; nobody likes soggy noodles.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!

Essential mise en place: Get everything prepped before you even turn on the hob. Slice your veggies, measure out your sauce ingredients.
Time-saving organization tips: Use small bowls to organize your prepped ingredients. It keeps things neat and makes the cooking process smoother.
Safety reminders: Hot oil is no joke. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case. And don't overcrowd the wok – it lowers the oil temperature and leads to steamed, not stir-fried, food.

Step-by-Step Process: Chop, Wok, and Roll!

Boil chow mein noodles. Cook al dente.
Whisk your sauce ingredients in a bowl. Don't skip this.
Heat vegetable oil in your wok. High heat is critical !
Stir-fry onion, celery, cabbage, carrots. 2- 3 minutes .
Add noodles and vegetables. Toss together well.
Pour in your homemade panda express chow mein sauce. Stir-fry to coat the noodles.
Cook until the sauce thickens. It's should only take 2- 3 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chow Mein Game

Use a wok if you have one. If you don't, a large skillet will do.
Don't be afraid of high heat. That's how you get that restaurant flavor.
Make-ahead options: You can prep the vegetables and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and that makes it easy to have a quick chow mein dinner .

So there you have it. A super simple way to get your panda express chow mein recipe copycat fix without leaving the house.

You'll be whipping up restaurant style chow mein recipe in no time. Give it a go and let me know what you think!.

Recipe Notes to Noodle On

So, you're about to tackle this panda express chow mein recipe copycat . Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chew over a few extra bits and bobs.

Honestly, these are the things that can make or break your copycat chow mein panda express experience.

Serving Up Some Style: Plating & Pairing

Right, presentation matters. Even for a quick chow mein dinner . Slap it on a plate, and you’ve got food. But, plate it nicely and bam: restaurant vibes! Think about a mound of steaming chow mein recipe , sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and a scattering of chopped green onions.

Classy, right? For sides, think spring rolls, dumplings, or even just a simple side salad. A crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea can be a really good drink pairing.

I swear, it's like a trip to the takeaway, but cheaper.

Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh

If you've got leftovers (unlikely, I know, but still), store your homemade panda express chow mein in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. Honestly though, it's best eaten fresh. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, or you can stir-fry it in a pan with a splash of water to loosen everything up.

Freezing isn't really recommended as the noodles can get a bit soggy.

Remixing the Recipe: Variations

Fancy a tweak? Me too! For a vegetable chow mein recipe , load up on extra veggies – broccoli, bell peppers, bean sprouts, the works! Honestly, the more the merrier.

Need it gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari sauce, and double check your noodles. They should be rice noodles (but you won't have authentic chow mein noodles ) or specific egg-free chow mein noodles with gluten-free ingredients.

For a protein boost, chuck in some cooked chicken or tofu when you stir-fry the veggies.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff

Okay, deep breath, this is the "healthy-ish" bit. This easy weeknight chow mein gives you carbs for energy, protein for muscle, and a decent whack of vitamins from the veggies.

But let’s be real. It's not exactly a salad. Watch the sodium content (that soy sauce is a sneaky culprit!).

You could use low-sodium soy sauce, just sayin'. The nutritional information is an estimate only as this may vary based on ingredient brands and specific cooking methods.

So there you have it, a restaurant style chow mein recipe you can make at home. Go on. Get cooking! You’ve totally got this!

Delicious Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe Copycat Easy Weeknight Meal

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are chow mein noodles, and can I substitute them in this Panda Express chow mein recipe?

Chow mein noodles are typically long, thin egg noodles that are either fresh or dried. Fresh ones are ideal for that authentic texture! If you can't find them, spaghetti or linguine can work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different – think of it like using cheddar instead of Red Leicester, still cheesy but not quite the same.

How can I make sure my Panda Express chow mein noodles aren't mushy?

The key to perfect chow mein noodles is to avoid overcooking them. If using dried noodles, cook them al dente (slightly firm to the bite) as they'll continue to cook in the wok. Tossing them with a bit of oil after draining also helps prevent them from sticking together and becoming a gloopy mess. Think of it like cooking pasta for a perfect Italian dish - al dente is the way to go!

Can I make this Panda Express chow mein vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For vegetarian chow mein, use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative (often made from mushrooms). To make it vegan, ensure your noodles are egg-free and use a vegan oyster sauce substitute, like hoisin sauce or simply omit the oyster sauce entirely. You could also add some fried tofu to the wok at the end for a protein boost - a bit like swapping meat for a veggie burger.

How long does this Panda Express chow mein keep, and how should I store it?

Leftover chow mein is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, a splash of water can help rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from drying out. However, like a good Sunday roast, it's always best fresh!

What's the secret to getting that authentic Panda Express chow mein flavour in the sauce?

The key is the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (for colour), and sesame oil. Don't skip the sugar – it balances the savoury flavours. And a dash of white pepper adds a subtle heat. Dark soy sauce in this recipe is like that secret ingredient your grandma always puts in her cooking. It adds richness, depth and that beautiful colour.

Is there a way to add a little extra oomph to my Panda Express chow mein?

Definitely! A drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or snow peas. For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef to the wok. Think of it as customising your takeaway for a truly personalised dish!