Panda Express Chow Mein

Here’s a delicious copycat recipe for Panda Express Chow Mein — those iconic stir-fried noodles with onions, cabbage, and celery, coated in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. It’s simple, quick, and seriously satisfying!

🍜 Panda Express Chow Mein (Copycat Recipe)

🍽️ Serves: 4

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 10 min

📝 Ingredients:

For the noodles & veggies:

• 12 oz yakisoba noodles (or fresh chow mein noodles)
  (remove seasoning packet if using instant-style yakisoba)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced diagonally
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper (or black pepper if preferred)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the noodles:
   • If using refrigerated yakisoba or chow mein noodles, loosen them by soaking briefly in hot water. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and white pepper. Set aside.
3. Stir-fry the veggies:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add sliced onion and celery. Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
   • Add shredded cabbage and stir-fry another 2–3 minutes until wilted but still crisp.
4. Add noodles & sauce:
   • Add the noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over everything.
   • Toss gently with tongs or two spatulas to evenly coat the noodles and vegetables.
   • Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and well combined.
5. Serve immediately!
   • Great as a side or base for orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, or tofu.

🍽️ Optional Add-ins:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Bean sprouts
• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• A dash of sriracha for heat