Iconic Panda Express Chow Mein

Ingredients for Perfect Panda Express Chow Mein

Crafting this copycat chow mein requires a handful of accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that authentic flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Noodles: The star of the show! I highly recommend using Chuka Soba Stir-Fry Noodles for their authentic texture and chewiness. These are commonly labeled as “chow mein noodles” in Asian markets or the international aisle of larger supermarkets. It’s absolutely essential to prepare your noodles precisely according to the package instructions before you begin cooking the rest of the recipe. This usually involves boiling them briefly until al dente, then draining and rinsing them to prevent sticking. Proper noodle preparation is key to a great chow mein.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best, most aromatic flavor. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic if possible, as it often lacks the pungency and depth that fresh garlic provides. You’ll truly taste the difference!
• Ginger: Just like garlic, fresh ginger offers a vibrant, spicy warmth that is fundamental to Chinese stir-fries. Grate it finely for even distribution. If fresh ginger isn’t available, a good quality ginger paste can be a convenient substitute, though fresh is always superior.
• Soy Sauce: This forms the backbone of our savory sauce. I prefer using Kikkoman’s less sodium version to better control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have regular soy sauce, you might want to slightly reduce the amount used and taste as you go.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar is vital for balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and imparting that subtle, characteristic sweetness found in Panda Express Chow Mein. It also helps to create a glossy finish on the noodles.
• Black Pepper: Finely ground black pepper adds a mild kick and rounds out the savory profile of the sauce. Freshly ground pepper will offer the most flavor.
• Oil: For stir-frying, oils with a high smoke point are best. Canola oil or vegetable oil are excellent neutral choices. I’ve also had fantastic results using avocado oil for its high smoke point and healthy fats. For an added layer of authentic flavor, a drizzle of sesame oil at the very end can elevate the dish significantly, though it’s not strictly necessary for the copycat flavor.
• Cabbage: Green cabbage is traditionally used. You’ll need approximately a quarter of a medium head, thinly sliced. It adds a wonderful tender-crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor when stir-fried.
• Onion: A yellow onion is my preference for its balanced flavor, but a white onion can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand. Thinly slice it for quick cooking and even distribution.
• Celery: Chopped celery stalks provide a distinct crunch and a fresh, slightly earthy note. Ensure they are chopped into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their desired texture.
• Green Onions: These are primarily used as a fresh, aromatic garnish, adding a touch of color and a mild oniony bite. While they enhance the presentation and flavor, you can omit them if they’re not available without compromising the core taste of the chow mein.

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How To Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein: Step-by-Step

Creating this delicious chow mein is surprisingly simple, even for novice cooks. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve takeout-quality results in your home kitchen:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside as it will be added at the end.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat your chosen oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced celery and onions. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. The goal is to tenderize them slightly while still retaining a bit of their crispness.
3. Add Cabbage: Next, add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Continue to cook for another few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the vegetables to retain some texture.
4. Combine with Noodles and Sauce: Finally, add your pre-cooked and drained chow mein noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything. Using tongs, toss vigorously until all the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the savory sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more to allow the sauce to warm through and cling to the noodles. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking the noodles.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chow mein to serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Panda Express creation!

Expert Tips and Customization for Your Homemade Chow Mein

While this recipe delivers a spot-on copycat, one of the best parts of cooking at home is the freedom to customize. Here are some tips to make this chow mein truly your own:

1. Amp Up the Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to just cabbage, onion, and celery! This dish is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of additional vegetables. Consider adding thinly sliced carrots, colorful bell peppers, tender snow peas, crunchy baby corn, or florets of broccoli. For best results, add tougher vegetables like carrots and broccoli earlier in the sautéing process, and more delicate ones like snow peas towards the end to maintain their crispness.
2. Introduce Protein Power: To transform this delightful side dish into a hearty main course, incorporate your favorite protein.

   • Chicken: Thinly slice chicken breast or thighs and stir-fry them separately until cooked through, then add them back to the pan with the noodles.
   • Beef: Use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin. Marinate it briefly in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for extra tenderness before stir-frying.
   • Shrimp: Quick-cooking shrimp, like in my hibachi shrimp recipe, are perfect. Sauté them until pink and opaque before adding to the chow mein.
   • Tofu: For a vegetarian option, press extra-firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and pan-fry or bake until golden and crispy before tossing with the noodles.
   • Fried Egg: A simple fried egg, chopped and mixed in, adds richness and extra protein.
3. Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a spoonful of chili crunch when tossing the noodles. A pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process also works wonders.
4. Extra Saucy? If you prefer your noodles to be more heavily coated in sauce, you can increase the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture slightly, ensuring to taste and adjust to your preference. Adding a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce can also help it thicken and cling better to the noodles.
5. Wok Hei (Breath of the Wok): While a home skillet works perfectly, a hot wok can impart a unique smoky flavor known as “wok hei.” If you have a wok, ensure it’s screaming hot before adding oil and ingredients to achieve this coveted taste. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam rather than stir-fry.

Leftovers: Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the great things about homemade chow mein is how well it stores, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying for lunch the next day.

Storage

To keep your chow mein fresh and delicious, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prepping throughout the week.

Reheat

Reheating chow mein properly helps maintain its texture and flavor. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) to prevent sticking and refresh the noodles. Once the oil is hot, add the cold chow mein. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are heated through and regain their tender-crisp texture. If the noodles seem a bit dry, you can add a tiny splash of water or broth while reheating. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the noodles soggy or rubbery.