If you’ve ever been to Panda Express, you know that their Chow Mein is the perfect balance of savory, slightly smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine the combination of tender noodles tossed in a light, flavorful sauce with just the right touch of crispy vegetables. It’s comfort food at its finest, and now you can make it at home! Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, this Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe will hit the spot. Let’s dive into why this dish is sure to become your new go-to.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chow Mein is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Quick and Easy: You can make this in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s perfect when you’re craving something quick but full of flavor. Flavor-Packed: The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Tossed with the noodles, it becomes a mouthwatering dish. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own. You can easily adjust this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a hit every time. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main dish, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Panda Express Chow Mein
This Chow Mein may seem like it requires some fancy ingredients, but you’ll be surprised at how simple and accessible it really is. Let’s break it down:
- Lo Mein Noodles: These soft, chewy noodles are the perfect base for the dish. You can find them in most grocery stores, or substitute with other noodles if necessary.
- Vegetable Oil: To sauté the veggies and give everything a beautiful, slightly crispy finish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic, savory depth to the dish. It’s one of the key ingredients to bring the flavors together.
- Cabbage: Sautéed until tender, it adds crunch and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory sauce.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced, they provide a bit of color and texture, making the dish both visually appealing and tasty.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce that gives this Chow Mein its signature salty, umami flavor.
- Oyster Sauce: This ingredient adds richness and depth to the sauce—it’s key to achieving that authentic Panda Express taste.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and creates that irresistible savory-sweet flavor.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped for a mild, fresh kick that complements the other ingredients.
Instructions
Let’s make this crave-worthy Panda Express Chow Mein from scratch:
Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using fresh noodles, a quick rinse under hot water will do the trick.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well combined.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated.
Finish It Off: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the sauce and get a little crispy around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh green onions, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein!
How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein
Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect as a side dish, but it can easily stand alone as the star of the meal. Here are some great ways to serve it:
Grilled Chicken or Beef: Pair it with grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp for a hearty, satisfying meal. Egg Rolls: Serve with crispy egg rolls for a true takeout-style feast at home. Fried Rice: For a complete Asian-inspired dinner, serve with fried rice on the side. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas make a healthy and colorful addition.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh lo mein noodles will give the dish a chewy texture that’s hard to beat.
Customize with Protein: Add chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling.
Keep it Crisp: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables—keeping them slightly crisp adds a great texture to the dish.
Adjust the Sauce: If you like your Chow Mein a bit sweeter or saltier, feel free to adjust the sugar and soy sauce to taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A1: Yes! You can substitute lo mein noodles with other Asian noodles, like spaghetti or rice noodles, though the texture may vary slightly.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the veggies and sauce ahead of time to save some work when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms to make it even more veggie-packed.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a little water to keep the noodles moist.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Chow Mein is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.
Q7: Can I add some heat to the dish?
A7: Yes! Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for some extra heat.
Q8: Can I make this without oyster sauce?
A8: You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Q9: Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
A9: Yes! Pre-cooked noodles work just as well. Just stir-fry them with the veggies and sauce.
Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste to spice things up.
Conclusion
There you have it—Panda Express Chow Mein, homemade and better than ever. It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the flavors you crave. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab those noodles, get cooking, and enjoy your very own restaurant-quality Chow Mein right at home!
Panda Express Chow Mein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the iconic Panda Express Chow Mein at home with this quick and easy recipe. It’s packed with flavorful noodles, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that will satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 3 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Combine and Cook: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Serve: Plate the chow mein and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more filling meal.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Variations: Customize the recipe with carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently over low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg