Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat (Serves 4)

This Panda Express Chow Mein is one of those takeout copycats we love to make as a team when the craving hits but we would rather stay in. Savory stir fried noodles with crisp vegetables, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.

Craving Panda Express Chow Mein but do not want to leave the house? This restaurant copycat brings the classic takeout flavor into your kitchen in just under 30 minutes. With a savory sauce, tender noodles, and the perfect crisp vegetables, this homemade Panda Express Chow Mein rivals the original without the takeout price tag. It is quick, easy, and packed with fresh vegetables.

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What makes this Panda Express Chow Mein so good is the contrast. Tender noodles, crisp charred cabbage and celery, and a glossy savory sauce.

Watch the Recipe Video

Watch how this chow mein comes together, step by step.

Why You Will Love This Chow Mein

• Quick and easy. Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Tastes like takeout. The classic copycat flavor.
• Crisp vegetables. Cabbage, celery, and onion.
• Savory sauce. Soy, oyster sauce, and sesame.
• Budget friendly. No takeout price tag.

What Makes This Chow Mein So Good

It recreates classic chow mein, the Chinese American stir fried noodle dish with crisp vegetables.

The vegetables get a slight char. Cabbage, celery, and onion add crunch and restaurant flavor.

A savory sauce coats it. Soy, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar.

A handful of sliced scallions, the mild green onions, scattered on top adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Optional Pro Tip: Char the Vegetables

Use high heat. So the vegetables get a slight char.

Let the noodles crisp. In a few spots for restaurant texture.

Tips for the Best Chow Mein

• Whisk the sauce first. So it is ready to pour in.
• Use high heat. For a good stir fry and a slight char.
• Do not overcrowd. So the vegetables char, not steam.
• Add the noodles next. Toss to combine with the veggies.
• Coat evenly. So every strand is covered in sauce.
• Let it crisp. Cook until slightly crispy in spots.
• Reserve some scallions. For a fresh garnish.
• Serve immediately. While hot and glossy.

Variations and Add Ins

This Panda Express Chow Mein is easy to customize.

• Add protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add more vegetables. Bean sprouts or bell pepper.
• Make it spicier. A drizzle of chili oil.
• Use tamari. For a gluten free option.
• Use yakisoba noodles. Or chow mein noodles.
• Add a splash of broth. If the noodles seem dry.
• Serve as a side. With orange chicken or beef.
• Top with sesame seeds. For extra nutty flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Store the Panda Express Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It makes a quick, satisfying leftover lunch.

Reheat in a hot skillet with a small splash of water to loosen the noodles, stirring until heated through. The microwave works too.

Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Chow Mein

This Panda Express Chow Mein is a classic side dish, perfect alongside your favorite Chinese American mains for a full takeout style spread at home.

This Panda Express Chow Mein is also satisfying on its own, or topped with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a main. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look beautiful.

For serving, pile the noodles into bowls and finish with the reserved sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

• As a side dish. With Chinese American mains.
• As a main. Topped with chicken or shrimp.
• With orange chicken. The classic combo.
• With scallions and sesame. For a fresh finish.

This chow mein is the perfect side for our healthy orange chicken, a great one to pair it with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Chow Mein?

It is a homemade copycat of the popular takeout side, stir fried noodles tossed with crisp cabbage, celery, and onion in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend.

What noodles should I use?

Chow mein or yakisoba noodles work best. Many come with a seasoning packet, and they give that signature tender, slightly chewy texture.

How do I get the restaurant flavor?

Cook the vegetables over high heat so they get a slight char, and let the noodles crisp in a few spots. That char is key to the takeout taste.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Top it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or stir in cooked protein to turn this side into a satisfying main dish.

Is this dish vegetarian?

The noodles and vegetables are vegetarian, though the oyster sauce is not. Use a vegetarian oyster style sauce to keep it meat free.

Can I make it gluten free?

Use tamari in place of the soy sauce, a gluten free oyster sauce, and gluten free noodles for a gluten free version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Bean sprouts, bell pepper, or carrots all stir in nicely for more color, crunch, and nutrition.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It is best fresh, but leftovers keep for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and reheat in a hot skillet or microwave.

What should I serve it with?

It is the perfect side for Chinese American mains like orange chicken or beef and broccoli, or enjoy it on its own.

Better Than Takeout

This Panda Express Chow Mein stir fries tender noodles with crisp, lightly charred cabbage, celery, and onion in a savory sauce of soy, oyster sauce, and sesame. It tastes just like the takeout favorite, made fresh at home in under 30 minutes.

Quick, budget friendly, and easy to make your own, it is the perfect side for all your favorite Chinese American mains. Once you try it, this Panda Express Chow Mein will be a regular.

Craving another hearty, savory favorite? Our high protein creamy beef pasta is a great one to try next.