Make your favorite Panda Express Chow Mein at home with this easy and budget-friendly dupe recipe from my Restaurant Remix series. Packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes!
Craving Panda Express Chow Mein but don’t feel like leaving the house? My Restaurant Remix series is all about bringing your favorite takeout dishes into your own kitchen, and today we’re tackling a classic: Panda Express Chow Mein. This dupe is spot on, delivering that signature savory flavor and irresistible texture without the takeout price tag.
I remember the first time I tried Panda Express Chow Mein – the perfectly cooked noodles, the slight crunch of cabbage and celery, and that savory sauce that keeps you going back for more. It quickly became my go-to whenever I needed a quick and satisfying meal that was Chinese inspired. But as much as I love a good takeout night, I also love recreating my favorites at home, where I can tweak ingredients to my liking and know exactly what goes into my food.
This homemade Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and a sauce that hits all the right notes of savory, slightly sweet, and umami. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it classic or toss in your favorite protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Chow Mein Dupe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Costs less than takeout and makes enough to feed the whole family.
- Customizable: Add any protein or extra veggies to suit your taste.
- Authentic Flavor: A sauce that mirrors the iconic Panda Express taste with simple pantry staples.
The Secret to That Signature Flavor The key to this dupe is in the sauce. A blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar creates that familiar flavor we all love. Cooking the noodles just right – tender but not mushy – and stir-frying them with crisp cabbage, celery, and onions gives you that perfect texture.
I love using fresh yakisoba noodles for this recipe, but you can also use dried chow mein noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. The magic is in the stir-fry technique and that sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Pro Tips:
- Use high heat to stir-fry the vegetables for that slight char and crispness.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be soft but still have a bit of bite.
- Make extra sauce to drizzle over your noodles or for dipping egg rolls!
This Panda Express Chow Mein dupe is not just a recipe; it’s a ticket to satisfying your takeout cravings without leaving home. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring the flavors of your favorite restaurant into your kitchen. So grab your wok (or a large skillet), and let’s make some chow mein magic!
Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1/2 head of cabbage shredded
- 2 scallions sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 pack of chow mein or yakisoba noodles with seasoning packet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, brown sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and cabbage. Sauté until fragrant and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add noodles and the seasoning packet. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until noodles are heated through and slightly crispy in some spots.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high heat to stir-fry the vegetables for that slight char and crispness.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be soft but still have a bit of bite.
- Make extra sauce to drizzle over your noodles or for dipping egg rolls!
