Panda Express Style Chow Mein
This homemade version of the popular Panda Express chow mein combines perfectly cooked yakisoba noodles with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce that captures the essence of what makes the restaurant version so irresistible. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal
Wok or Large Skillet
Tongs
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- 16 oz yakisoba noodles or refrigerated chow mein noodles (450g)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery diagonally sliced
- 1 cup cabbage shredded
- 1 large carrot julienned
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the yakisoba noodles according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and white pepper until the sugar dissolves completely.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add sliced onions to the aromatics and stir-fry for 1 minute until translucent. Toss in the celery and carrots, continuing to stir-fry for 2 minutes. Finally, add the cabbage and cook for another minute.
Add the pre-cooked noodles and remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and toss continuously using tongs or two wooden spoons until the noodles are uniformly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
For a lower-carb option, replace up to 50% of the noodles with spiralized zucchini or extra cabbage.
Add 8 ounces of tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken breast during the vegetable cooking phase for additional protein.
Store leftover chow mein in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add 1 tablespoon of water per cup of noodles and stir-fry on medium-high heat rather than microwaving to restore the original texture.
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSodium: 680mgFiber: 4g
Keyword Chow Mein, Panda Express, Noodles, Stir Fry, Chinese Takeout