The first time I tried Panda Express Chow Mein, I was in college and late for a night class. I grabbed it on a whim, thinking it’d be just another soggy noodle box. But one bite changed my mind. The slightly smoky noodles, the crunch of cabbage and celery, and that savory soy-garlic sauce—it was fast food, sure, but it had a depth I didn’t expect.
Since then, this dish has become my go-to when I want something fast but still satisfying. I’ve even learned how to recreate it at home so I don’t have to wait in a drive-thru line. And trust me, once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation too.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes Panda Express Chow Mein so popular, the ingredients you need, how to cook it just right, and how to tweak it to match your taste. You’ll also get answers to the most common questions people have about it.
Panda Express Chow Mein: The Quick Noodle Dish That Hits Every Craving
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe brings the beloved fast-food classic to your kitchen. It’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
14 oz chow mein or yakisoba noodles
1 cup green cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp oil
Instructions
1. Cook noodles according to package and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
3. Add cabbage, celery, and onion; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add noodles and toss to combine.
5. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sugar.
6. Pour sauce over noodles and veggies, stir-fry for 2–3 more minutes.
7. Serve hot, optionally topped with sesame seeds or green onions.
Notes
You can substitute spaghetti noodles if chow mein isn’t available.
For a spicy twist, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
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Table of Contents
The Story & Intro to Panda Express Chow Mein
Why Panda Express Chow Mein Stands Out
Let’s be honest—fast food noodles don’t always get a good rep. But Panda Express Chow Mein is different. It’s not drowning in sauce or weighed down with oil. Instead, it’s light, chewy, and packed with just enough flavor to keep your chopsticks moving.
The secret is in the stir-fry technique. The noodles get tossed in a hot wok (or skillet if you’re making it at home), where they pick up those lightly charred edges. Add in shredded cabbage, crisp celery, and onions sautéed just enough to soften—and it all comes together into a dish that feels a lot more thoughtful than your typical takeout box.
You’ll find it plays well with so many sides too. A rich dish like our amish hamburger steak bake is the perfect comforting partner when you’re serving a crowd or want a mix of textures.
Building Your Own Chow Mein at Home
The magic of Panda Express Chow Mein is that it doesn’t need rare ingredients. The basics include wheat noodles (sometimes labeled as yakisoba or Chinese stir-fry noodles), green cabbage, celery, onion, and a soy-based sauce with garlic and a hint of sugar.
You can easily find these ingredients in most grocery stores. And if you’re already a fan of our hobo casserole with ground beef, you’ll appreciate how this noodle dish is another pantry-friendly recipe that packs flavor without extra effort.
When making it at home, you get to control the salt, adjust the spice level, or even toss in leftover protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. That kind of flexibility makes it a winner for weeknights or lazy weekends.
How To Make Panda Express Chow Mein at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need and Smart Substitutions
You don’t need anything fancy to bring Panda Express Chow Mein to your own kitchen. Just a few simple ingredients, a hot pan, and 15 minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chow mein noodles or yakisoba noodles (look in the refrigerated Asian section)
- Green cabbage (shredded thin)
- Celery (sliced diagonally for crunch)
- Yellow or white onion (thinly sliced)
- Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- Oyster sauce (adds richness)
- Garlic (freshly minced)
- Sugar (a pinch balances the salt)
- Oil (vegetable or canola works best)
If you can’t find chow mein noodles, substitute spaghetti or ramen noodles—just cook them slightly under so they hold up to stir-frying.
Adding protein? Sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu all work. Pre-cook and toss in at the end to avoid overcooking.
This fast, flexible recipe is as satisfying as our ooey gooey cheesy garlic chicken wraps, especially if you’re craving takeout flavor without leaving your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To cook your Panda Express Chow Mein, start by boiling your noodles if they aren’t already cooked. Rinse them under cold water and toss with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking.
- Heat your pan: Get your skillet or wok super hot, then add a tablespoon of oil.
- Sauté veggies: Toss in the onion, celery, and cabbage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add noodles: Throw in the cooked noodles and stir well.
- Pour in sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sugar in a small bowl. Pour over the noodles.
- Stir-fry fast: Keep tossing everything until evenly coated, about 3 more minutes.
- Serve hot: That’s it! Top with a few sesame seeds or green onions if you like.
This dish pairs beautifully with something baked and hearty, like our red lobster biscuit chicken pot pie recipe, to give your meal variety without extra work.
Want to see how the dish compares to other Asian-inspired favorites? Next, we’ll talk about flavor variations and how Panda’s chow mein holds up against their other menu stars.
Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein and Tasty Variations
What’s the Real Difference Between Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
While they both feature stir-fried noodles, chow mein and lo mein are not the same. At Panda Express, chow mein is dry-fried in a hot wok with vegetables and a light soy-based sauce. The noodles are cooked until slightly crisp in spots, which adds that signature texture.
Lo mein, on the other hand, uses boiled noodles that are tossed with sauce after cooking. The result? A softer, more slippery noodle dish that leans heavier on sauce.
Want to understand this better from a chef’s angle? Serious Eats breaks it down in their article on chow mein vs. lo mein with great visuals and noodle advice.
Knowing this difference helps when choosing or recreating your favorite Panda Express meal. If you like your noodles saucy and soft, you might prefer lo mein. But if chewy and slightly crisp is your thing, chow mein wins every time.
Customizing Panda Express Chow Mein to Match Your Taste
One reason Panda Express Chow Mein remains so popular is how easy it is to personalize. You can bulk it up, spice it up, or even go meatless.
Here are some tasty ideas:
- Add heat with a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Make it a meal by tossing in grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even thin strips of steak.
- Go plant-based by swapping the oyster sauce for mushroom stir-fry sauce and loading up on extra veggies like snap peas or bell peppers.
For more inspiration, The Woks of Life has a great guide to authentic Chinese stir-fry techniques that can help you build flavor like a pro, even at home.
With these simple twists, your homemade chow mein won’t just taste like takeout—it might even taste better. And don’t forget, dishes like our hobo casserole with ground beef also offer the same cozy, family-style vibe if you’re feeding a group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Chow Mein
What is in the Panda Express chow mein?
The classic Panda Express Chow Mein contains wheat noodles, cabbage, celery, onions, soy sauce, and oil. The sauce has hints of garlic and a subtle sweetness that makes the noodles rich in flavor. While it’s meat-free by default, it pairs perfectly with many of their protein options like orange chicken or teriyaki chicken.
What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein at Panda Express?
Chow mein is stir-fried until slightly crisp and dry, while lo mein is made with softer noodles tossed in a heavier sauce. Chow mein emphasizes texture, while lo mein delivers a saucier, more slippery bite. At Panda Express, lo mein isn’t officially on the menu, but some locations may offer similar noodle-based sides with more sauce.
What is the most popular dish at Panda Express?
While chow mein is a top side, the most popular entrée by far is their Orange Chicken. It’s known for its crispy breading and sweet-savory glaze. Fans of that bold flavor often choose chow mein to balance the richness with a mildly salty base.
Is the chow mein from Panda Express good?
Yes, and it’s consistently one of the most ordered sides. Its appeal lies in its chewy texture, lightly caramelized vegetables, and balanced seasoning. It also holds up well as leftovers, which makes it a favorite among fans looking for fast but flavorful meals. If you’re into comforting meals like our amish hamburger steak bake, this noodle dish delivers a similarly reliable satisfaction.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at the food court or cooking at home, Panda Express Chow Mein delivers a satisfying blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It’s one of those rare dishes that fits nearly any mood—comforting when you’re tired, quick when you’re hungry, and easy to tweak when you feel creative in the kitchen.
The next time you’re craving takeout, skip the line and make it yourself. It’s quicker than you think, and the flavor payoff is big. And if you want more quick recipes like this, our ooey gooey cheesy garlic chicken wraps are another fun weeknight winner.
