When you’re craving a savory noodle stir-fry that comes together in under 30 minutes, nothing beats the signature taste of Panda Express Chow Mein. This copycat recipe captures the same rich umami flavor, soft yet slightly chewy noodles, and lightly sautéed vegetables—perfect for a weeknight dinner or quick lunch meal prep.

Whether you’re a fan of the restaurant or just a lover of Chinese-American takeout, making chow mein at home lets you control the ingredients and customize it to your preferences. Plus, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate those addictive flavors in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Panda Express Chow Mein

Yakisoba Noodles
Cabbage
Celery
Onion
Soy Sauce
Oyster Sauce
Garlic
Vegetable Oil
Sugar
Black Pepper

How To Make the Panda Express Chow Mein

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Thinly slice the cabbage, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. It’s essential to have everything ready before you start cooking since the stir-fry process moves quickly.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

If using refrigerated yakisoba noodles, remove them from the packaging and rinse under warm water to loosen. If using dry noodles, cook according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic first and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the onion, celery, and cabbage. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Toss the loosened or cooked noodles into the pan with the vegetables. Use tongs or a large spatula to mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Continue tossing until everything is evenly coated and the noodles begin to caramelize slightly, about 2–3 more minutes.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once everything is cooked and coated, remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with sliced green onions for extra color and bite.

How to Serve and Store This Chow Mein

Serve this chow mein as a standalone dish or pair it with other favorites like Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist. It’s a hit at potlucks, dinner parties, or just your typical Tuesday night dinner.

To store, let the chow mein cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply toss it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is this to the actual Panda Express version?

Very close! With the right noodles and sauce combo, most people say it’s nearly identical to what you’d get at the restaurant.

Can I add meat or tofu?

Absolutely. Chicken, beef, shrimp, or cubed tofu can be stir-fried first and set aside, then added back in when mixing the noodles and sauce.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be if you use vegetarian oyster sauce or skip it entirely. Double-check the noodle ingredients as well.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Regular soy sauce works fine, but for a lower sodium option, use light soy sauce. Avoid dark soy sauce, which can be overpowering.

Can I freeze chow mein?

Freezing isn’t ideal as the noodles can turn mushy, but it’s doable. Let it cool, portion it out, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

How do I avoid soggy noodles?

Don’t overcook them! Also, stir-fry at high heat so the sauce reduces quickly and doesn’t soak in too much.