Dinner

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

ByAva Sinclair July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

Discover how to bring a plateful of Panda Express Chow Mein right to your kitchen! This recipe captures all the nostalgia and comfort of that beloved takeout side: slurpable noodles tangled with crisp-tender veggies, perfumed with garlicky, savory sauce. With a handful of pantry basics and fresh vegetables, you’ll create something even better than the original—easy, deeply satisfying, and seriously quick to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.

Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Panda Express Chow Mein is how it transforms humble, straightforward ingredients into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing noodle dish. Every component plays a role, whether it’s adding gentle crunch, bold flavor, or that iconic glossy finish.

Chow mein noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles are springy and chewy, providing the perfect base—look for them in the refrigerated section of your Asian market.
Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage brings essential crunch and a gentle sweetness as it cooks down in the pan.
Celery: A few stalks, sliced thin, add light bitterness and refreshing crispness that brighten every bite.
Onion: Sliced onion boosts the dish’s aroma and deepens the umami with gentle caramel notes.
Vegetable oil: Any neutral oil will do—this helps all the flavors come alive and keeps the noodles from sticking.
Soy sauce (regular): This is your salty, savory backbone—use a favorite brand for best results!
Dark soy sauce: Just a little lends color and touch of sweetness; don’t skip it if you want an authentic look.
Oyster sauce: This secret weapon makes the sauce so craveable and glossy—swap for vegetarian stir fry sauce if you need a plant-based alternative.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the end infuses signature nuttiness and that irresistible aroma.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs in a ton of flavor—don’t hold back!
Chicken stock (or water): Adds a touch of moisture and helps the sauce cling to your noodles.
Cornstarch: Just a bit thickens the sauce so it hugs every noodle strand—potato starch works too.

How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein

Step 1: Mix the Noodle Sauce

Start by preparing all the flavor for your Panda Express Chow Mein right in a small bowl. Whisk together both types of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken stock (or water), and cornstarch until smooth. Having this sauce ready means everything moves quickly once you start cooking!

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a pan of water to a lively boil and add your fresh chow mein noodles. It only takes 20 to 30 seconds for them to loosen up and separate—keep a close eye so they stay perfectly chewy. Strain immediately but skip rinsing! This helps your noodles stay ready to soak in all the delicious sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat up a big, trusty pan or wok and add just a splash of oil. Toss in onions, cabbage, and celery, and give them about a minute, stirring constantly—your kitchen should instantly smell amazing. Don’t let them get too soft; the goal is caramelized edges and plenty of bite.

Step 4: Add Noodles and Sauce

Push the sautéed veggies to the side to make space in the pan. Drizzle in the rest of your oil, then pile in the noodles and pour that glorious sauce over the top. The quick sizzle brings all those flavors to life!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now, use tongs or long chopsticks to toss and fold everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glistening. This step brings all the magic—soft noodles, crunchy veggies, and a savory sauce in perfect harmony. Pull the pan off heat as soon as everything looks saucy and irresistible.

How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein

Garnishes

For a simple finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or extra sesame seeds over the top. These tiny pops of color and flavor really bring out the best in your Panda Express Chow Mein and add just a little extra restaurant flair.

Side Dishes

It pairs beautifully with classic mains like orange chicken, teriyaki beef, or tofu stir fry. But honestly, sometimes a big steaming bowl of chow mein, maybe alongside some quick sautéed greens, is all you need for a super satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the noodles in little takeout boxes for a fun, family-style dinner night at home, or twirl generous helpings into shallow bowls and top them with pan-seared shrimp or a jammy soft-boiled egg for a playful fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Panda Express Chow Mein in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or speedy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

While you can freeze these noodles, the texture is best when fresh. If you do freeze, cool them quickly and store in a single layer; defrost gently to prevent mushiness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat before tossing in your noodles. This brings them back to life, keeping them saucy instead of sticky. A microwave works too, but a pan yields the best results!

FAQs

Is Panda Express Chow Mein vegetarian?

The original recipe includes oyster sauce and chicken stock, but a quick swap to vegetarian stir fry sauce and water makes it perfectly vegetarian without sacrificing that deeply savory flavor.

What’s the best noodle to use if I can’t find chow mein noodles?

Yakisoba noodles or thin fresh ramen noodles are great substitutes if chow mein noodles aren’t available in your area. Just check that they’re not heavily flavored or seasoned.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef during the last toss with the sauce for a heartier main. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers or stretch your meal further.

How do I make my Panda Express Chow Mein less oily?

If you prefer a lighter version, start with just 1 tablespoon of oil and use a good nonstick skillet or wok. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the sauce.

Why do you blanch the noodles instead of boiling them?

A short blanch keeps the noodles from becoming soggy—just enough to separate them and prepare them for quick stir-frying. Skipping this step can lead to sticky clumps instead of springy strands.

Final Thoughts

Making Panda Express Chow Mein at home is a joyful kitchen adventure that’s much easier than you’d think—and wildly rewarding! Open up your pantry, grab a few fresh veggies, and let yourself fall in love with this takeout classic all over again. Give it a try soon and get ready for major noodle cravings!