Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
This Easy 15-minute Panda Express-style Chow Mein recipe brings the iconic Chinese takeout favorite to your home kitchen with fresh chow mein noodles and a flavorful mix of vegetables tossed in a savory soy oyster sauce blend. Quick to prepare and packed with the perfect balance of textures, this dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight stir-fry meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (low-sodium, or cold water)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set this sauce mixture aside to use later.
- Blanch the noodles: Fill a large pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fresh chow mein noodles and blanch for 20-30 seconds, just until the noodles loosen and separate. Avoid overcooking.
- Drain noodles: Strain the noodles in a colander, making sure to drain well. Do not rinse the noodles with water, as this will wash away starches that help sauce adhesion. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery and stir-fry until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add noodles and sauce: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into the empty space, then add the blanched noodles and the prepared sauce mixture.
- Toss to combine: Stir-fry and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. Once everything is well combined and hot, remove from heat.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate your chow mein immediately for best texture and flavor. Serve hot as a delicious, homemade takeout-style meal.
Notes
- Use fresh chow mein noodles for best texture; dried noodles require rehydration and longer cooking.
- Do not rinse noodles after blanching to help the sauce stick better.
- Adjust vegetable quantities or types according to preference for added color and nutrition.
- Oyster sauce can be substituted with vegetarian stir fry sauce to make a vegetarian version.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock to control saltiness.
Keywords: Panda Express Chow Mein, easy chow mein recipe, quick noodle stir fry, Chinese takeout style noodles, vegetable chow mein
