Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Introduction
This Panda Express-style Chow Mein brings the beloved flavors of takeout right into your kitchen. With tender vegetables, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage (about ⅓ cabbage)
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or grated ginger)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green cabbage, cooking and stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, then stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for a few more minutes until heated through, then remove from heat and serve fresh.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when mixing the noodles with the sauce.
- Use fresh ginger if you can for a brighter flavor instead of ginger paste.
- Swap hoisin sauce for oyster sauce if you prefer a less sweet, more savory taste.
Storage
Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to help loosen the noodles.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with lo mein or even spaghetti in a pinch, though the texture will vary slightly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, this recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetable oil and omit any meat additions. Ensure your hoisin sauce does not contain animal products if you want to keep it fully vegetarian.
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Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Panda Express Chow Mein is a delicious copycat recipe featuring tender chow mein noodles stir-fried with crisp cabbage and onions, all tossed in a savory garlic-ginger soy and hoisin sauce. This quick and easy dish captures the flavors of the popular Chinese-American takeout classic, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 ounces chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage (about ⅓ cabbage)
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or grated ginger)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sliced green cabbage. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and salt and pepper. This sauce brings the savory and aromatic flavors that define chow mein.
- Toss noodles with sauce and vegetables: Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables, then stir well to coat everything evenly in the flavorful sauce.
- Finish and serve: Cook the combined ingredients for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through. Remove from heat and serve immediately while fresh and warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chow mein noodles with thin egg noodles if unavailable.
- Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce quantities to taste depending on your salt preference.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adding sliced carrots or bell peppers can enhance color and nutrition.
- Make sure to drain noodles well to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Keywords: Panda Express, Chow Mein, Chinese takeout, stir-fry noodles, vegetable chow mein, easy dinner, copycat recipe
