Chow Mein Recipe (Copycat Panda Express)

A Takeout Favorite You Can Make at Home 🥡

If you’re craving the savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly chewy noodles from Panda Express, you’re in for a treat! This homemade version brings all the flavors you love right into your kitchen—no takeout required. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or as a tasty side to your favorite Asian-inspired meals 🍽️.

Curious what is the difference between chow mein vs lo mein? 🍜 While both are delicious noodle dishes, the former is stir-fried for a slightly crispy texture, whereas the latter is tossed with sauce for a softer, saucier bite. This recipe captures the essence of the stir-fried version—springy noodles, flavorful sauce, and just the right amount of crunch! 😋

Our family absolutely loves this dish because it’s incredibly simple to make and always turns out just right ✅. Whether we’re cooking it for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast 🎉, it’s a guaranteed hit. With crisp-tender vegetables 🥕🥬, bouncy noodles 🍜, and a savory homemade sauce 🧄🫚, this meal is a go-to in our kitchen. Bonus: it’s perfect for using up leftover veggies in the fridge! 🧺

One of the best parts? It all comes together in one pan 🥘 with no fancy equipment or complicated steps. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil fills the kitchen as it sizzles on the stovetop—totally irresistible! 😍 You get that signature takeout flavor without ever leaving the house 🏠.

Making this dish at home also means you can customize it just how you like. Add gluten-free noodles, toss in your favorite protein like tofu, shrimp, or chicken 🍗🦐, or adjust the sauce to suit your taste. It’s proof that easy meals can still be full of flavor and fun to make! 🎨

I hope you’ll love this easy Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe and enjoy all the comforting flavors from the warmth of your own kitchen! 💛🍜

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

• Quick & Easy: ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Than Takeout: 🥗 Unlike fast food options, this recipe contains no artificial additives or excessive sodium.
• Authentic Flavor: 🍶 The umami-rich sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine gives this dish its signature taste.
• Customizable: 🧑‍🍳 One of the best things about this noodle recipe is how easy it is to customize. Add your favorite proteins like chicken, beef, or shrimp, or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Budget-Friendly: 💰 Making this recipe at home saves money compared to frequent takeout orders. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits 🥦

This homemade noodle dish is packed with fiber-rich cabbage 🥬 and antioxidant-loaded onions 🧅. Garlic 🧄 and ginger 🫚 provide anti-inflammatory benefits while enhancing flavor. Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the salt content balanced without compromising taste. Enjoy a delicious meal while making a healthier choice with fresh, wholesome ingredients 🌱.

Ingredients Needed

Noodles & Vegetables 🍜

• 2 lb fresh chow mein noodles – The base of the dish, chewy and satisfying.
• 6 stalks celery, sliced diagonally (½-inch pieces) – Adds crunch and freshness.
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced – Brings sweetness and depth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses bold flavor.
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced – A warm, slightly spicy undertone.
• 6 cups cabbage, shredded into ribbons – Gives texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Signature Chow Mein Sauce 🥣

• 6 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – The umami foundation.
• 2 tbsp sugar – Balances the salty and savory elements.
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine – Enhances the depth of flavor.
• ½ tsp white pepper – Adds a mild, earthy heat.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – Brings a toasted, nutty aroma.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce for even coating.
• ½ cup chicken stock – Adds richness and moisture.

How to Make Chow Mein 🧑‍🍳

1: Gather the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients, including chow mein noodles, crisp vegetables, and the sauce components.

2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together sugar and white pepper. Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and chicken broth to the bowl and whisk well. Sprinkle in cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Set aside.

3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the celery to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Toss in the onions and continue cooking until they turn translucent. Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry until it starts to wilt.

5: Cook the Noodles

Place the noodles directly into the wok on top of the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss everything together. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the noodles are fully coated and heated through.

6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy your homemade Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe!

Pro Tips 📝

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh noodles have the best texture for this recipe. If using dried noodles, be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before stir-frying. 🍜
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying over high heat helps the noodles absorb the sauce while keeping the vegetables crisp. 🔥
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary to maintain their crunch and avoid steaming them. 🥦
• Customize Your Protein: This recipe is a great base—add chow mein noodles with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for extra protein. 🍗🦐🍛
• Make it Spicier: If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish. 🌶️
• Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients to make a richer, more flavorful version. 🥢

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

❓What is chow mein?
A: Chow mein is a popular Chinese stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, and often a savory sauce. The term “chow mein” means “fried noodles” in Cantonese, and the dish is known for its slightly crispy texture and rich, umami flavor. 🍜

❓What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

A: The primary difference lies in the cooking method and texture. Chow mein means “fried noodles” and involves stir-frying noodles to achieve a slightly crispy texture. Lo mein translates to “tossed noodles,” where fully cooked noodles are mixed with sauce and ingredients, resulting in a softer, saucier dish.

❓ Which dish is healthier: chow mein or lo mein?

A: Healthiness depends on preparation. Chow mein is stir-fried, potentially using more oil, leading to a higher fat content. Lo mein is less oily but often has more sauce, which can increase sodium levels. Both can be made healthier by adding vegetables and lean proteins.

❓Can I substitute spaghetti for chow mein noodles?

A: While not traditional, spaghetti can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ from authentic chow mein noodles.

❓Is chow mein gluten-free?

A: Traditional chow mein noodles contain wheat, making them not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and ensure all sauces and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

❓Can I add protein to this chow mein recipe?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or any protein of your choice to make the dish more filling and tailored to your preferences.

Try These Complimentary Take Out Dishes 🍱

If you loved this Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein, you’ll definitely want to try my Chinese Beef and Broccoli—a savory stir-fry featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich, umami sauce 🥦🥩. And for even more noodle love, don’t miss my Beef Lo Mein—it’s packed with juicy beef, colorful veggies, and glossy, slurp-worthy sauce 🍜✨. These recipes pair perfectly for a complete at-home takeout night—no delivery required!