Craving that classic Panda Express Chow Mein flavor? Now you can make it right at home! This recipe delivers tender chow mein noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce, all in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect quick and easy meal for any night of the week. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Authentic Flavor: Recreates the classic Panda Express Chow Mein taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic ingredients you can easily find.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or protein
Ingredients
- Chow Mein Noodles: The base of the dish, providing a chewy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables and preventing sticking.
- Sliced Green Cabbage: Adds a crisp texture and mild flavor.
- Thinly Sliced Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Ginger Paste (or Grated Ginger): Adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami-rich base for the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add onion and cabbage. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, and stir to coat everything.
Step 5: Cook and Serve
Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Prevent mushy noodles by cooking them until just tender.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Adjust the Sauce: Add more soy sauce or hoisin sauce to taste.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ingredients provide the best flavor.
How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein
- As a Main Dish: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.
- With Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Side Dish: Pair with other Panda Express favorites like Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken.
- Garnish: Top with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the noodles are dry.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use other noodles like lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or linguine.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, or mushrooms.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of chili oil, or a few drops of sriracha to the sauce.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit any meat and add more vegetables or tofu.
Print
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe brings the familiar and beloved flavors of the restaurant classic to your home kitchen. With tender chow mein noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 cups sliced green cabbage, about 1/3 cabbage
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion, about 1/2 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the 6 ounces chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the 1 cup thinly sliced onion and 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage, and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until tender—about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Noodles and Vegetables: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, and stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook and Serve: Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through. Remove from heat and serve fresh!
Notes
- You can use other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or bean sprouts, for variety.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and hoisin sauce to your taste.
- For a spicier chow mein, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
