Panda Express Chow Mein (THE BEST COPYCAT)
This is THE best Panda Express Chow Mein copycat recipe you will find that's even BETTER than the original! It's a simple noodle dish that I've upgraded in the flavor category that can be used as a side for any delicious meal!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chow Mein or Pancit noodle fresh preferred
- 4 stalks celery sliced at an angle diagonally into 1/2" pieces
- 1 white onion sliced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 2 cups cabbage sliced into ribbons
Sauce
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp msg optional
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables by mincing garlic and ginger, slicing white onion, cabbage, and celery. Set aside in separate bowls.
- Mix sauce in a bowl by combining low sodium light soy sauce, sugar, shaoxing wine, white pepper, sesame oil, msg, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- If using chow mein noodles, blanch for 30 seconds in boiling water then drain and pat dry. If using fresh pancit noodles, separate noodles and set aside.
- Add 2 tbsp of neutral oil over high heat to a wok or pan and saute garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add vegetables and stir fry for 2 minutes until charred.
- Add noodles and stir fry for 1-2 minutes to char noodles. Add the sauce and mix together, stir frying for an additional 2-3 minutes over high heat until the sauce has absorbed and noodles are dry. Enjoy!
Notes
Noodle Tips:
I used Pancit noodles, which is what is pictured in the images and video. These do NOT need to be pre-blanched before cooking; they’re coated with oil and can be cooked directly in the wok.
You can also use fresh chow mein noodles, which are made of wheat flour, egg, and water. I find them in the refrigerated section of my local Chinese grocery (99 Ranch). These will be uncooked and thus need to be cooked before adding them into the wok.
Another similar noodle substitutions are: Yakisoba noodles, Lo Mein noodles (these will be thicker and won’t have the slightly crispy nature of chow mein when fried), Ramen noodles (not the instant kind) or Fresh noodles made of egg (yellow in color)
Undercook Your Noodles
If you are using noodles that need to be cooked before adding into the wok (for ex: uncooked chow mein noodles), make sure to UNDER-cook them by 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This is because the noodles will continue to cook in the wok or pan. This ensures your noodles will be the perfect level of done-ness by the time your Panda Express Chow Mein is done in the wok or pan. As always, taste and adjust based on your preference!
Rinse Your Noodles
After cooking your noodles in water, make sure to rinse them. Rinsing them removes the excess starch that the noodles were coated in. You do not want this starch in your finished dish, as it'll impact the final texture and taste.
Cut Your Vegetables into Similar Sizes
I always recommend cutting your vegetables into similar sizes - this ensures that they cook evenly. This extra effort makes a huge difference in your completed dish!
Success is in the Prep!
Once you start cooking, this recipe will come together very quickly. The key to pulling this off successfully is having all of your ingredients prepped and in bowls right next to your wok or pan! Have your premixed sauce, noodles, and vegetables ready and easily accessible during the cooking process.
Storage Tips and Reheating
You can store your leftover Panda Express Chow Mein in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I like to reheat in a hot wok or pan; the high heat warms up the noodles quickly and helps separate any that stuck together. I also like the extra slight char that gives the noodles more texture. You can also use a microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 849mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 215IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg