Panda Express Chow Mein
Quick and easy recipe to make Panda Express-style chow mein at home, filled with crispy veggies, chewy noodles, and a richly seasoned sauce.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or sub with egg noodles)
Vegetables
- 1 cup finely sliced cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 small carrot (julienned)
- to taste green onions
Protein (optional)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, beef, or tofu
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Cooking
- Boil a pot of water and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and throw in the cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- If you’re using a protein, add it now to the sautéed veggies and stir until heated through.
- Toss in your cooked noodles along with the bean sprouts. Stir-fry for another minute to combine everything nicely.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture. Pour this over the noodle mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
- Transfer your chow mein to a plate and enjoy it warm.
Notes
For perfect chow mein, use high heat to get a nice sear, and prep all ingredients ahead of time.