Panda Express Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4
Panda Express Chow Mein is the most-ordered side item on their menu, and for good reason. It’s simple — stir-fried noodles with cabbage, celery, and onion in a savory sauce — but the execution is what makes it addictive. The noodles have just enough char from the wok, the vegetables still have bite, and the sauce is salty-sweet without being heavy.
This is probably the easiest Panda Express recipe to replicate at home. The whole thing takes 15 minutes from start to plate, and you likely have most of the sauce ingredients in your pantry already.
Why Make It at Home?
A side of chow mein at Panda costs around $4.50 for a modest portion. This recipe makes four full servings for about $3.00 total. You also get the satisfaction of proper wok-charred noodles instead of the sometimes-soggy ones from the steam tray.
Tips & Variations
- High heat is essential. Your wok or skillet needs to be ripping hot — almost smoking — before anything goes in. This is how you get that restaurant-style sear and char on the noodles.
- Yakisoba noodles are the easiest substitute. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. They’re pre-cooked and just need to be separated before stir-frying.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. They should be barely softened — still crunchy. Mushy cabbage and limp celery are the enemy.
- Add protein. Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef to turn this from a side into a full meal.
