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Skillet of Panda Express Chow Mein noodles with tongs. Egg rolls in the background.
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5 from 118 votes

Panda Express Chow Mein (Copycat)

Our Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the Panda Express side dish. Make a healthier version of this chow mein at home for a fraction of the price!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Side, Side Dish
Servings: 8
Calories: 169kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Equipment

  • Large Wok

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 (5.6 ounce) packages Yakisoba noodles or Chinese Egg Noodles (Found in the produce section of the grocery store. Usually, the 3 packages are sold together in one 17oz. pack)
  • ⅔ cup celery chopped diagonally
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups chopped cabbage

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Set aside.
    Glass bowl with soy sauce mixture. Whisk on the side.
  • Remove noodles from packages and discard included flavoring packets. Rinse noodles well, drain, and set aside.
    Colander with rinsed noodles.
  • Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion and sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until onions start to become soft and transparent. Add cabbage and sauté an additional minute.
    Skillet with vegetable mixture. Wooden spoon on the side.
  • Add noodles and soy sauce mixture to the vegetables. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes or until noodles are heated through.
    Panda Express Chow Mein in skillet and tongs.

Video

Notes

  • Use fresh yakisoba or Chinese egg noodles for the closest Panda Express Chow Mein texture. Rinse and drain well so they do not clump.
  • Do not overcook the noodles. Stir fry just until they are heated through to keep them from breaking or turning mushy.
  • A large wok or deep nonstick skillet makes it easier to toss the noodles and veggies without spilling.
  • Keep the vegetables crisp tender. They should soften slightly but still have a little bite for that classic chow mein feel.
  • For a deeper, toasty flavor, you can add a very small drizzle of sesame oil at the end. Use it sparingly so it does not overpower the dish.
  • To make a lo mein style version, cook the noodles separately, double the sauce, then toss everything together off the heat for a saucier noodle dish.
  • This Panda Express Chow Mein keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to keep the noodles moist.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg