Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat Recipe
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| Bring home that savory takeout flavor with chewy noodles, sweet onion, crisp-tender cabbage, and a glossy soy sauce in this easy copycat favorite. |
If you love the savory, slightly smoky noodles from Panda Express, this easy Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe is for you. It has tender noodles, crisp cabbage, sweet onion, and celery tossed in a simple soy-based sauce that tastes a whole lot like the takeout favorite.
The best part? You can make this copycat chow mein recipe at home in about 30 minutes with basic ingredients from a regular grocery store. That means less waiting, less money spent on takeout, and more of those delicious noodles on your plate.
If you have ever stood in line wondering if you should get rice or noodles, you already know the answer. Chow mein wins a lot in my house. It is cozy, fast, and goes with just about everything.
A Little Background on Panda Express and Why Their Chow Mein Is So Popular
Panda Express is one of the most well-known American Chinese fast food restaurants in the United States. It built a huge following by serving quick, comforting dishes with bold flavor, from Orange Chicken to Beijing Beef to their famous chow mein.
Their chow mein is iconic because it is simple, but it hits all the right notes. The noodles are soft with a little chew. The cabbage turns tender but still keeps a bit of bite. The onion adds sweetness, and the celery brings a fresh crunch. Then everything gets coated in a glossy, salty-savory sauce that smells amazing the second it hits the hot pan.
This dish is not trying to be fancy. That is exactly why people love it. It is like your favorite sweatshirt in noodle form: warm, familiar, and always a good idea.
This recipe is inspired by the restaurant favorite and is meant for home cooks who want that same flavor and texture in their own kitchen. We are not claiming this is the exact restaurant recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
- Fast to make on a busy weeknight
- Affordable compared to takeout
- Easy ingredients you can find in most USA grocery stores
- Family-friendly and easy to pair with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Here is what you need for this easy Panda Express chow mein recipe:
- 14 ounces yaki soba noodles, lo mein noodles, or chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Best Substitutions
If you want the closest texture to Panda Express noodles, use precooked yakisoba noodles if you can find them. They are easy, fast, and have a nice chewy bite. If not, lo mein noodles work really well too.
For the vegetables, do not skip the cabbage, onion, and celery. That trio is what gives this dish its signature taste. It may sound simple, but together they create that classic sweet-savory balance.
If you are out of oyster sauce, you can still make the recipe, but the sauce will lose a little depth. Think of oyster sauce as the background singer that makes the whole song sound better.
How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein at Home
Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best homemade chow mein. If you are a beginner, do not worry. This is very doable.
Step 1: Prepare the noodles.
If using precooked yakisoba noodles, loosen them according to the package directions. Some can be softened in warm water for a minute or two. If using dry noodles, cook them in boiling water until just tender, then drain well. Do not overcook them. Mushy noodles will not give you that takeout-style texture.
After draining, toss the noodles lightly with a small drizzle of oil to help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and pepper. Set it aside near the stove. Stir-fry cooking goes quickly, so it helps to have everything ready before the pan gets hot.
Step 3: Prep the vegetables.
Slice the cabbage, onion, and celery into thin pieces. Mince the garlic. Try to keep the slices fairly even so they cook at the same speed. This is one of those small details that makes the final dish feel more polished.
Step 4: Heat the pan.
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let the pan get nice and hot before adding the vegetables. You want that quick sizzle the moment they hit the pan.
Step 5: Cook the vegetables.
Add the onion and celery first. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Then add the cabbage and garlic. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. The vegetables should soften a little but still have some texture. You do not want them limp.
Step 6: Add the noodles.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then add the noodles. Use tongs or two wooden spoons to gently toss everything together. If the noodles are clumped, separate them carefully as they warm up.
Step 7: Pour in the sauce.
Give the sauce one more stir, then pour it over the noodles and vegetables. Toss well so everything gets coated. Keep cooking for 2 to 4 more minutes, stirring often, until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is mostly absorbed.
Step 8: Taste and adjust.
Taste a noodle and see if you want a little more soy sauce or a tiny splash of water to loosen things up. Every brand of noodle absorbs sauce a little differently, so this is your chance to fine-tune it.
Step 9: Serve hot.
Serve right away while the noodles are glossy and warm. This recipe is excellent on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with copycat orange chicken, grilled teriyaki chicken, or simple pan-seared tofu.
Food Safety Tips
Even a quick noodle recipe should follow basic kitchen safety.
- Wash vegetables well before slicing.
- Use a clean cutting board and knife.
- If serving this with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp, cook proteins to safe internal temperatures.
- Chicken should reach 165°F.
- Ground meats should reach 160°F.
- Shrimp should be cooked until pink, firm, and opaque.
- Do not leave cooked noodles sitting out for more than 2 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and eat within 3 to 4 days.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
These numbers are estimates and can vary based on the exact noodles and sauces you use.
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
Tips for the Best Chow Mein
- Use high heat so the vegetables stay crisp-tender instead of steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is small, cook in batches.
- Have everything prepped first. This dish moves fast.
- Do not overboil the noodles. Slightly firm noodles hold up better in the stir-fry.
- Add protein separately if you want to bulk up the meal.
If your first batch is not perfect, do not stress. Stir-fry is one of those cooking styles that gets easier every time you make it.
Easy Shortcuts for Busy Nights
Need to make this recipe even easier? Here are a few time-saving ideas.
- Use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of slicing cabbage.
- Buy precut onion and celery from the produce section if available.
- Use refrigerated yakisoba noodles to skip boiling.
- Mix the sauce up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
- Cook the vegetables in a large nonstick skillet if you do not have a wok.
A rice cooker is not needed here, and a slow cooker would not be the best fit since chow mein tastes best when quickly stir-fried. This is really a stovetop meal, and thankfully, it comes together fast.
Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Modifications
This is where you can really make the recipe work for your home. Below are easy ways to adjust this homemade chow mein recipe for different needs.
Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or certified gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
- Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari.
- Use a gluten-free oyster sauce and gluten-free hoisin, or leave the hoisin out if you cannot find one.
- Always check labels, since sauce brands vary a lot.
Dairy-Free:
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
- Just double-check packaged noodles and bottled sauces to make sure no milk ingredients were added.
Vegan:
- Replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
- Check that your noodles are egg-free if needed.
- Add tofu, edamame, or extra stir-fried vegetables for more substance.
Vegetarian:
- Use mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Add scrambled egg, tofu, or extra veggies if you want more protein.
Low-Sodium:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Reduce the soy sauce slightly and add a splash of water to balance it.
- Skip any extra soy sauce at the table.
Nut-Free:
- The recipe does not contain nuts, but always check bottled sauces for cross-contact warnings if needed.
Soy-Free:
- This one is trickier because soy sauce is a big flavor here.
- Try coconut aminos as a substitute, knowing the final dish will be a little sweeter and less bold.
- Look for soy-free hoisin alternatives if needed.
Egg-Free:
- Use egg-free noodles.
- Many chow mein noodles contain egg, so read the package before you buy.
Paleo:
- Traditional noodles are not paleo, but you can use spiralized cabbage, zucchini noodles, or hearts of palm noodles.
- Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Use a paleo-friendly stir-fry sauce instead of hoisin and oyster sauce.
Protein Add-Ins:
- Chicken breast or thigh
- Thin-sliced beef
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Pork
If adding protein, cook it first, remove it from the pan, and stir it back in at the end. That keeps everything from overcooking.
What to Serve with Panda Express Chow Mein
This dish works as a side or a main. Here are some tasty pairings:
- Orange chicken
- Teriyaki chicken
- Kung pao chicken
- Honey walnut shrimp
- Egg rolls
- Simple steamed broccoli
Or keep it simple and enjoy a big bowl by itself. No judgment here.
Storage and Reheating
To store: Let the chow mein cool, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but the stovetop gives the best texture.
To freeze: You can freeze it, but the vegetables may soften after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panda Express chow mein spicy?
No, it is mostly savory with a little sweetness. This copycat version is not spicy either.
What noodles are closest to Panda Express chow mein?
Yakisoba noodles or lo mein noodles are usually the best match for texture.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef all work great.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but it is best fresh. If making ahead, prep the vegetables and sauce in advance, then cook the final dish just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe is one of those simple dishes that really delivers. It is fast, satisfying, and full of familiar takeout flavor. It also gives you room to tweak things based on what you have in the fridge, which is always a win.
If you make it, I would love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or did you add chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies? Leave a comment and share your spin on it. And if you know another noodle lover, send this recipe their way too.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe created for home cooks and is inspired by a popular restaurant dish. It is not the official recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Panda Express in any way.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
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