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Chow Mein – Panda Express Copycat Recipe

ByAnna Luther December 7, 2023December 7, 2023

Unlock the secrets of the wok with our Panda Express Copycat Chow Mein recipe! Dive into a world of savory delights as you recreate the irresistible magic of Panda Express at home. This quick and easy recipe brings together perfectly stir-fried noodles, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that’s a symphony of Asian-inspired tastes. Elevate your home-cooked stir-fry game and savor the authentic essence of Panda Express right from your own kitchen.

A classic craving right here. Panda Express CopyCat Chow Mein requires basic ingredients that meld together into a symphony of comforting and totally addictive flavors. You can do this right from your own kitchen in 20 minutes or less! What is even more wonderful than the first meal is enjoying the leftovers throughout the week!

Do you love Panda Express? Check out our favorite Panda Express Recipes here.

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INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
VARIATIONS
STORAGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RELATED
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

INGREDIENTS

Soy sauce
Minced garlic
Brown sugar
Ginger
White pepper or black pepper
Yakisoba or Ramen (seasoning sauce packets discarded)
Olive oil
Chopped onion
Diced celery
Shredded cabbage

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: In large pot of boiling water, add chow mein noodles (yakisoba noodles or Ramen noodles) until loose and tender, about 1-2 minutes. Drain. Set aside.

Step 2: In small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, white pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in large skillet, over medium high heat. Add garlic, onion and celery and cook over medium heat until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cabbage and heat for one additional minute. Stir in yaki-soba.

Step 4: Pour soy sauce mixture over top. Serve immediately.

VARIATIONS

ADD SOME MORE VEGGIES

Experiment with this dish by adding some different types of veggies. You could try broccoli, bean sprouts, snow peas, bell peppers or mushrooms.

TOSS IN SOME PROTEIN

Beef, shrimp, chicken, tofu – any of these could be added to this dish.

STORAGE

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

If you want to freeze this recipe, we recommend freezing the vegetables and sauce separately and adding fresh noodles when ready to eat. We don’t recommend freezing the noodles.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use different types of noodles for Chow Mein?

Yes, you can experiment with various noodles like egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even rice noodles. Choose the type you prefer or have on hand.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce if I’m looking for a lower-sodium option?

You can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari as a substitute to reduce the overall sodium content. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and choose gluten-free noodles to make a delicious gluten-free version of Panda Express Copycat Chow Mein.

What vegetables work best in Chow Mein?

Classic Chow Mein typically includes vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. You can also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for additional flavors and textures.

Can I add protein to this Chow Mein recipe?

Certainly! Add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

What’s the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?

Chow Mein typically involves stir-frying noodles until crispy, while Lo Mein involves tossing soft noodles in sauce. This recipe focuses on the crispy Chow Mein style.

Can I make Chow Mein ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time for a quicker assembly when ready to cook.

What type of pan or wok should I use for this recipe?

A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will work as well. Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients for that classic wok-seared flavor.

Can I freeze Panda Express Copycat Chow Mein?

While noodles may change texture when frozen, you can freeze the stir-fried vegetables and sauce separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.