✔ Updated · real sauce ratios, fixed calories, 20-minute method
This copycat Panda Express chow mein is soft, savory noodles tossed with cabbage, celery and onion in a glossy soy and oyster sauce. It takes 20 minutes, and it's the side my family always fights over.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Get the wok really hot and toss the noodles with tongs, not a spoon. High heat and lots of movement keep them glossy and springy instead of soggy.
Why You'll Love This Chow Mein
- Tastes like the takeout side, savory, slightly sweet and a little smoky.
- Five-ingredient sauce you can stir together in 1 minute.
- 20 minutes start to finish, faster than delivery.
What Makes Panda Express-Style Chow Mein?
The Panda Express side is simple: soft wheat noodles, shredded cabbage, celery and onion in a savory soy-based sauce. There's no meat in the classic version, which makes it the perfect partner for orange chicken or mushroom chicken.
My copycat uses fresh yakisoba noodles for that soft, chewy bite and a five-ingredient sauce with oyster sauce for the deep, savory flavor. Unsure how it differs from lo mein? Here's our guide to chow mein vs lo mein.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use yakisoba noodles. Fresh, pre-steamed yakisoba noodles from the refrigerated section give the soft, chewy texture of the takeout side. Toss the flavor packets; the sauce here does the work.
- Don't overcook the cabbage. A minute or two is enough. It should wilt but keep a little crunch.
- Mix the sauce first. Things move fast once the wok is hot, so I have the sauce whisked and waiting by the stove.
- Cook big batches in two rounds. If you double the recipe, stir-fry in two batches. An overloaded wok steams the noodles into mush.
- Add protein if you like. Toss in sliced cooked chicken (cooked to 165°F) or shrimp at the end for a one-bowl dinner.
Panda Express Chow Mein (Copycat)
6
side servings10
minutes10
minutes240
kcal20
minutesCopycat-style Panda Express chow mein: soft, chewy yakisoba noodles stir-fried over high heat with shredded cabbage, celery and onion, then tossed in a savory sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little sugar and sesame oil.
Ingredients
- For the Sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons water
- For the Chow Mein
1 lb fresh yakisoba or chow mein noodles (two 7 to 8 oz packs, seasoning packets discarded)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions
- Prep
- Whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil and water in a small bowl.
- Loosen the noodles: rinse them under hot water or soak 1 minute in a bowl of hot water, gently separating the strands, then drain well. (If your noodles are dried, cook them according to the package and drain.)
- Stir-Fry
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the onion and celery and stir-fry 2 minutes, then add the cabbage and garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until the cabbage just wilts but still has some crunch.
- Push the vegetables aside, add the remaining oil and the noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything with tongs for 2 to 3 minutes, until the noodles are hot, glossy and evenly coated.
- Taste, add a splash more soy sauce if you like, and serve right away.
Notes
- The key to making delicious Panda Express Chow Mein is speed. You should be able to cook it within a few minutes. If you take too long to cook Chow Mein, the veggies will get too soft and you won’t have the delightful crunch that’s so indicative of Chow Mein. To ensure it cooks nice and quickly, you need to do a couple of things.
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Variations
- Chicken chow mein: stir-fry 8 oz sliced chicken thigh first until it reaches 165°F, set aside and add back with the noodles.
- Shrimp: add 8 oz peeled shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Extra veg: add shredded carrots, bean sprouts or snow peas with the cabbage.
- Spicy: add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce to the sauce.
More Panda Express Copycats
Pair it with our orange chicken, mushroom chicken, Beijing beef or kung pao chicken, plus fried rice for the full plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noodles does Panda Express use for chow mein?
The chow mein is made with soft wheat noodles similar to yakisoba. At home, fresh refrigerated yakisoba or chow mein noodles are the closest match. Dried chow mein or even spaghetti cooked al dente will work in a pinch.
What is in Panda Express chow mein?
It's soft stir-fried wheat noodles with shredded cabbage, celery and onion in a savory soy-based sauce. This copycat uses soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little sugar and sesame oil for that same savory, slightly sweet flavor.
How many calories are in this chow mein?
Made as written and divided into 6 side servings, it's about 240 calories each. Most of the calories come from the noodles and oil, so a lighter version can use 1 tablespoon of oil and extra cabbage.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce, often sold as vegetarian oyster sauce, and check that your noodles are egg-free if needed. The flavor stays rich and savory.
How do I store and reheat chow mein?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing, until hot all the way through. The microwave works too, covered.
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