why make this recipe
Panda Express Chow Mein is a beloved dish for many. It’s flavorful, quick to make, and simply delicious. By trying this homemade version, you can enjoy the perfect balance of savory sauce, tender noodles, and fresh vegetables right in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that allows you to customize your protein and veggies to suit your taste!
how to make Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh Chow Mein Noodles: These are crucial for the authentic texture. Look for fresh noodles in the refrigerated section of your Asian grocery store. If fresh noodles are unavailable, you can use dried chow mein noodles, but be sure to cook them according to package directions and slightly undercook them as they will cook further in the stir-fry. Avoid using spaghetti or other pasta as substitutes as they won’t provide the same chewy texture.
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that is essential to Chow Mein. Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying the vegetables. Canola oil, peanut oil, or other neutral oils work well.
1 medium Yellow Onion: Sliced thinly. Yellow onions provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor base.
2 stalks Celery: Thinly sliced diagonally. Celery adds a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor.
1 medium Carrot: Julienned or thinly sliced diagonally. Carrots contribute sweetness and color.
1 cup Cabbage (Napa or Green): Shredded or thinly sliced. Cabbage provides bulk and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Napa cabbage is preferred for its tenderness, but green cabbage works well too.
4-5 stalks Green Onions: Cut into 1-inch pieces. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a garnish and ingredient.
1 pound Chicken Breast, Shrimp, or Beef: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is a classic choice, but shrimp or thinly sliced beef (like flank steak or sirloin) are also excellent options. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the protein or substitute with firm tofu, cut into cubes and pan-fried until golden.
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (for marinating protein): Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt levels.
1 teaspoon Cornstarch (for marinating protein): Helps to tenderize the protein and create a slight coating when cooked.
1/2 teaspoon Ginger Powder or 1 teaspoon Freshly Grated Ginger (for marinating protein): Adds warmth and aromatic depth.
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 1 clove Garlic, minced (for marinating protein): Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the protein.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is preferred.
2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce: This is a key ingredient for authentic Panda Express flavor, providing umami and depth. If you are vegetarian, you can substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of molasses or brown sugar for sweetness and color.
1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness, umami, and a slightly tangy flavor.
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors.
1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar: Balances the savory and acidic elements of the sauce. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Enhances the nutty aroma and flavor of the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon White Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Black pepper can be substituted, but white pepper is more traditional in Chinese cuisine.
1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a glossy, coating consistency.
1/4 cup Water: To mix with the cornstarch and thin the sauce to the right consistency.
Directions:
Prepare the Protein (If Using): Marinate the chicken, shrimp, or beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Chow Mein Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch with water. Set aside.
Cook the Chow Mein Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Protein (If Using): In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more vegetable oil if needed. Stir-fry the onions, celery, carrots, and cabbage until they are just tender but still crisp.
Combine Noodles, Protein, Vegetables, and Sauce: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the noodles and protein back to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Serve Immediately: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
how to serve Panda Express Chow Mein
Serve your homemade Chow Mein hot in a bowl. You can top it with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and garnish. Pair it with your favorite protein or enjoy it as a vegetarian dish. Chow Mein goes well with spring rolls or your choice of Asian-inspired sides.
how to store Panda Express Chow Mein
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive them.
tips to make Panda Express Chow Mein
- For extra flavor, add bean sprouts or bell peppers when stir-frying the vegetables.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the protein; this ensures it sears instead of steams.
- Taste the sauce before you add it to the stir-fry; adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
variation
You can easily make variations of Chow Mein by changing the protein to tofu for a vegetarian option or adding different vegetables like bok choy or snap peas. You can also spice it up with chili flakes or Sriracha if you enjoy heat.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chow Mein without meat?
Yes! You can omit the meat altogether or replace it with tofu or additional vegetables.
2. What type of noodles should I use?
For the best texture, use fresh Chow Mein noodles. If they are not available, dried chow mein or egg noodles can be used, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I prepare Chow Mein in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you are ready to stir-fry them. Just keep an eye on the freshness of your vegetables.
Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
Noodles and Oils
- 1 pound fresh Chow Mein Noodles Look for them in the refrigerated section of your Asian grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil Canola oil, peanut oil, or other neutral oils work well.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Yellow Onion Sliced thinly.
- 2 stalks Celery Thinly sliced diagonally.
- 1 medium Carrot Julienned or thinly sliced diagonally.
- 1 cup Cabbage (Napa or Green) Shredded or thinly sliced.
- 4-5 stalks Green Onions Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Protein
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, Shrimp, or Beef Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Low sodium soy sauce is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Helps to tenderize the protein.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ginger Powder Or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger.
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or 1 clove garlic, minced.
Chow Mein Sauce
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium soy sauce is preferred.
- 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce For umami and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken, shrimp, or beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic for at least 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch with water to prepare the sauce.
- Boil the noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Cooking
- In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and cook the marinated protein until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the onions, celery, carrots, and cabbage until just tender but still crisp.
- Add the noodles and protein back to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and toss everything to coat evenly. Cook for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Serving
- Serve your homemade Chow Mein hot in a bowl, garnished with green onions.