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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Last Updated: Apr 9, 2025 by Angela Latimer · 10 Comments

Panda Express Chow Mein

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Panda Express copycat chow mein recipe Pinterest pin with a red Asian-inspired background and an image of a bowl of golden stir-fried chow mein noodles.

My copycat Panda Express chow mein recipe is a wonderfully tasty side dish that's super quick and easy to make for weeknight dinners. You can mix and match the chow mein noodles with any of your favorite Chinese takeout entrees. If you are a fan of Panda Express restaurants, this chow mein is a popular must-try recipe.

Updated to clarify instructions, give more ingredient options, and added tips based on FAQs. New photos were also added to visualize the walk-through. Plus, the archived authentic recipe link has been added.

Chow mein is perfect with your favorite Chinese takeout recipes. Serve it with Panda Express string bean chicken, Panda Express orange chicken, or Panda Express honey walnut shrimp.

A square image of a black bowl of golden chow mein noodles with chopsticks and two wrapped Panda Express fortune cookies in the background.
Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Panda Express Chow Mein
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
  • ❓Is Panda Express Chow Mein Gluten-Free?
  • ❓Can I Freeze Panda Express Chow Mein?
  • ❓What Vegetables Are In Panda Express Chow Mein?
  • ❓ What's the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
  • 🐼 More Panda Express Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Original Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

I'm unsure if it's the distance to a Panda Express restaurant or being stuck indoors during the long Minnesota winters. Either one could have inspired me to master these stir-fried noodles at home, along with my other tasty Panda Express recipes.

I've been making this delicious Panda Express chow mein as my go-to side dish for so many years now that it's literally second nature. They're so tasty and easy, and they really are the perfect dish to whip up with your stir fries.

🥘 Ingredients

  • Chow Mein Noodles - I used the Wel-Pac brand found in the Asian aisle at Walmart - yakisoba noodles work too.
  • Cooking Oil - Vegetable oil, like canola oil or peanut oil, is commonly used in Asian restaurants. Or use your preferred neutral oil with a high smoking point.
  • Onion - Half of a yellow (my preferred choice) or white onion.
  • Celery - About 2 medium ribs of thinly sliced celery.
  • Green Cabbage - Thinly sliced cabbage adds a great crunch and bulk to your noodle dish.
  • Cooking Wine - The most commonly found wine for this recipe is sherry cooking wine. Chinese cooking wine (like Shaoxing wine) for the closest flavor match to Panda Express.
  • Soy Sauce - I recommend reduced-sodium soy sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce - I add a small amount of oyster sauce for that signature savory, salty, and subtly sweet flavor. Or, you can try one of these oyster sauce substitutes.
  • Kecap Manis - Kecap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce. You can learn how to make kecap manis from scratch right here.
  • Ginger - Freshly grated ginger root or ½ teaspoon dry ground ginger.
  • Sesame Seed Oil - Sesame seed oil or a sesame oil substitute. Toasted sesame seed oil adds great depth of flavor, but it is not part of the authentic Panda Express chow mein flavor.

Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!

🔪 How To Make Panda Express Chow Mein

You'll love how easy it is to make this 20-minute chow mein recipe. Grab a large pot, a colander, a skillet (or a wok, or frying pan), and a spatula.

This recipe makes 4-6 hearty servings of chow mein. 1x this recipe yields up to 8 smaller side dish portions.

Prep the Noodles

Step 1: Cook chow mein noodles. Cook 12 ounces of chow mein noodles at a boil, remove from heat, and drain when they have an al dente texture (before they're completely cooked).

Step 2: Rinse the noodles. Rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process, then coat them with a drizzle of oil (optional) to keep them from sticking together. Set aside.

Stir Fry The Vegetables

Step 3: Heat the pan. Bring a large skillet, frying pan, or wok to high heat and add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Step 4: Saute the onion. When your oil is hot, add ½ cup (80 grams) of sliced or chopped onion (process photo 1) and saute for 1 minute to soften (process photo 2).

Panda Express chow mein process photo 1 add the chopped onion to heated oil in your wok or frying pan.
Panda Express chow mein process photo 2 saute the onion for about 1 minute to soften.

Step 5: Add the veggies. Next, add ½ cup (50.5 grams) of thinly sliced celery and combine with the sauteed onion. Then add ½ head of sliced cabbage. Stir fry for about 1 minute (2 minutes if you like your vegetables more tender).

Panda Express chow mein process photo 3 add chopped celery and stir to coat with oil.
Panda Express chow mein process photo 4 add the chopped cabbage and stir fry with the other veggies.

Finish & Serve

Step 6: Mix in the noodles. Add the noodles and then stir to break them up and combine them with the cooked vegetables.

Panda Express chow mein process photo 5 add the boiled noodles to the vegetable stir fry.
Panda Express chow mein process photo 6 stir to break up the noodles and mix them into the vegetables.

Step 7: Make the sauce. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, ½ tablespoon of kecap manis, and 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger. Mix well until the noodles are soft.

Step 8: Add sesame oil. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame seed oil and toss to coat all of the chow mein and vegetables before serving.

Garnish with green onion and/or sesame seeds, if desired. *A small teaspoon of brown sugar can be added for extra sweetness (we have mixed opinions in the household of whether or not the brown sugar makes the recipe closer to Panda!).

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • Swap for yakisoba noodles. You can use Yakisoba noodles as an easy swap for the chow mein noodles. Even spaghetti noodles can be used in a pinch.
  • Vegetarian options. You can also swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms to make this chow mein vegetarian-friendly.
  • Boil the noodles in broth. For an authentic flavor closer to the noodles served at Panda Express locations, try using vegetable broth to boil your noodles in.
  • More sesame oil for more flavor. For a deeper flavor, add just a touch more sesame seed oil. Be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
  • Add brown sugar for a sweeter sauce. A small teaspoon portion of brown sugar can be added for additional sweetness.
A tall image showing chopsticks raising a hefty bite of golden stir-fried Panda Express chow mein noodles out of a bowl.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Leftover copycat Panda Express chow mein can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Once your chow mein has cooled off, you can transfer it to a freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal it tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months, and place it in the fridge overnight to thaw out before reheating.

Reheating

If you're in a hurry, chow mein still tastes delicious when reheated in the microwave. If not, it tastes the best when reheated in a skillet or wok on the stovetop.

Start 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, add the leftovers, and cook (stirring occasionally) for about 3-4 minutes until hot.

❓Is Panda Express Chow Mein Gluten-Free?

The signature recipe for chow mein at Panda Express is not gluten-free because it is made with wheat noodles, which contain gluten. That's the great thing about recreating the recipe at home. You can swap the chow mein noodles for rice noodles or another gluten-free noodle variety.

❓Can I Freeze Panda Express Chow Mein?

Yes, chow mein freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool, put it in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, seal it up tight, and pop it in the freezer.

❓What Vegetables Are In Panda Express Chow Mein?

The classic recipe contains cabbage, onion, and celery, but you can make it your own by adding your preferred veggies. Bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, or bean sprouts would make a great addition.

❓ What's the difference between chow mein and lo mein?

The main difference between chow mein and lo mein is how the noodles are cooked. Chow mein noodles are stir-fried until crispy, while lo mein noodles are boiled or steamed, then tossed in sauce with other ingredients.

I have a whole page dedicated to the differences between lo mein vs chow mein if you'd like to learn more.

🐼 More Panda Express Recipes

  • Fried Rice - A delicious blend of long-grain white rice, savory soy sauce, and crispy vegetables that makes every meal better.
  • Mixed Vegetables - A combination of tender vegetables that adds color and flavor to any meal.
  • Sweet Fire Chicken - Thai sweet chili sauce gives this classic Panda Express recipe just the right amount of heat.
  • Beijing Beef - Crispy strips of wok-fried flank steak tossed with veggies in a savory Beijing sauce.
  • Mushroom Chicken - Juicy chunks of chicken with tender mushrooms and zucchini in a ginger garlic soy sauce.
  • Teriyaki Chicken - The perfect recipe to satisfy your takeout cravings without having to leave the house.
  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
  • Square image showing cookies & cream cake pops with one having a bite taken out of it.
    Starbucks Cookies & Cream Cake Pops
  • Tasty Starbucks chocolate cake pops are easy to make at home like these 4 cake pops in a jar.
    Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops
See more Copycat Recipes →

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📖 Recipe Card

A square image of a black bowl of golden chow mein noodles with chopsticks and two wrapped Panda Express fortune cookies in the background.
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5 from 45 reviews

Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat Recipe

My copycat Panda Express chow mein recipe is a wonderfully tasty side dish that's super quick and easy to make for weeknight dinners. You can mix and match the chow mein noodles with any of your favorite Chinese takeout entrees. If you are a fan of Panda Express restaurants, this chow mein is a popular must-try recipe.
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 383kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 12 oz chow mein noodles (I used the Wel-Pac brand found in the Asian aisle at Walmart - yakisoba noodles work too)
  • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion (sliced, about ½ large yellow onion)
  • ½ cup celery (thinly sliced - about 2 medium ribs)
  • ½ head green cabbage (thinly sliced)
  • 1½ teaspoon cooking wine (sherry or shaoxing)
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce (I recommend reduced sodium soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • ½ tablespoon kecap manis (see recipe)
  • 2 teaspoon ginger (fresh, grated - or ½ teaspoon dry ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Cook 12 oz chow mein noodles at a boil, remove and drain before completely cooked. Rinse with cold water to prevent continued cooking, then coat with a bit of oil (optional) to keep from sticking together. Set aside.
  • Bring a large skillet, frying pan, or wok to high heat and add 3 tablespoon vegetable oil. When the oil is hot add ½ cup yellow onion, ½ cup celery, and ½ head green cabbage. Cook for about 1 minute (2 minutes if you like your vegetables more tender).
  • Add the noodles and stir to break them up and combine them with the cooked vegetables. Add 1½ teaspoon cooking wine, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ tablespoon kecap manis, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 2 teaspoon ginger. Mix well until the noodles are soft.
  • Add the 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil, then toss to coat all the chow mein and vegetables before serving. Garnish with green onion and/or sesame seeds, if desired. *A small teaspoon of brown sugar can be added for additional sweetness.

Notes

  • Swap for yakisoba noodles. You can use Yakisoba noodles as an easy swap for the chow mein noodles. Even spaghetti noodles can be used in a pinch.
  • Vegetarian options. You can also swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms to make this chow mein vegetarian-friendly.
  • Boil the noodles in broth. For an authentic flavor closer to the noodles served at Panda Express locations, try using vegetable broth to boil your noodles in.
  • More sesame oil for more flavor. For a deeper flavor, add just a touch more sesame seed oil. Be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
  • Add brown sugar for a sweeter sauce. A small teaspoon portion of brown sugar can be added for additional sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Sodium: 468mg (20%) | Potassium: 179mg (5%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 112IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 29mg (35%) | Calcium: 36mg (4%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Copycat Recipes, Panda Express, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese

Original Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

This is the original recipe that Panda Express shared; see the archived link here.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds store-bought pan-fried chow mein (yakisoba noodles)
  • ½ pound bean sprouts
  • ⅓ cup salad oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
  • ¼ pound onions, shredded
  • ¼ pound celery, shredded
  • ¼ pound cabbage, shredded
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cooking wine
  • ¼ cup soy sauce

Cooking Directions

  1. Heat a skillet on high heat. Pour in oil and swirl oil until pan is evenly coated.
  2. Add onions, celery, and cabbage and stir for about 20 seconds.
  3. Put in pan-fried noodles on top of the veggies and slowly separate the chow mein noodles. Add in bean sprouts and continue stirring. Add cooking wine and soy sauce and mix well until veggies and noodles are soft.
  4. Add sesame oil and mix well again. Serve.
« Banana Pudding Poke Cake
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    5 from 45 votes (42 ratings without comment)

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  1. Leanne says

    July 16, 2023 at 1:52 pm

    Is there a Kecap Manis sauce you can buy, or do you have to make it?

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      July 16, 2023 at 2:49 pm

      I prefer to make my own here but you can get it on amazon here.

      Reply
      • Leanne says

        July 16, 2023 at 3:36 pm

        Is there anything I can use to replace it? Or is it possible to leave it out without it effecting the dish too much? Also, I appreciate the quick reply ☺️

      • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

        July 17, 2023 at 7:47 am

        Hi, equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar will work as well. Hope that helps 🙂

      • Loretta says

        August 15, 2023 at 4:14 pm

        5 stars
        I can hardly wait to make this!!!
        Thank you fir all of the wonderful recipes you share.

  2. Rosa Glez says

    October 25, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    ME ENCANTO LO HICE CON CAMARONES (MIENTRAS SE HACIAN LE AÑADI LOS VEGETALES) Y FETUSSINI EL FIDEO QUE TENIA AL MOMENTO. EL TOQUE CON GINGER Y EL AZUCAR ESTA SUPER. NO USE AJONJOLI...SERA MI RECETA DE AHORA RN ADELATE...GRX Y EXITOS!

    To English: I LOVE IT I MADE IT WITH SHRIMP (WHILE THE VEGETABLES WERE ADDED) AND FETUSSINI THE NOODLE I HAD AT THE MOMENT. THE TOUCH WITH GINGER AND SUGAR IS SUPER. DO NOT USE AJONJOLI ... IT WILL BE MY RECIPE FOR NOW RN ADELATE ... GRX AND SUCCESSFUL!

    Reply
  3. Olga says

    July 05, 2021 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    Hi there,
    How much sesame oil do you use? It's not listed in the ingredients but says to add in step 4. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      July 05, 2021 at 1:21 pm

      I always start out with a very small drizzle and add more to taste since sesame oil has a strong flavor. It's not a required ingredient, but a favorite in my home. Thanks for asking!

      Reply
  4. Flavor Quotient / Priyanka says

    June 01, 2017 at 12:37 am

    This is so nice! Looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

    Reply
    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      June 01, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      Oh we love this chow mein! Thanks for stopping in!!

      Reply

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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