Noodles

Panda Express Inspired Chow Mein

Name: Panda Express Inspired Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces chow mein noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup sliced celery; 1/2 onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tender chow mein noodles stir-fried with cabbage, celery, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. This simple yet flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with homemade orange chicken, Beijing beef, or your favorite stir-fry.

Inspired by Panda Express

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Serves

Difficulty

Easy

Method

1
Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions until just tender.
2
Drain the noodles and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
3
Toss the noodles with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
4
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
5
Add a small amount of oil and cook the celery, cabbage, and onion until slightly tender while still crisp.
6
Stir in the cooked noodles.
7
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and any additional seasonings.
8
Toss everything continuously so the noodles absorb the sauce evenly.
9
Continue stir-frying for several minutes until the noodles are heated through and lightly caramelized.
10
Serve immediately as a side dish or pair with your favorite homemade orange chicken or beef entree.

Recipe notes

Boil noodles only until barely tender, rinse briefly, and oil them lightly so they remain separate. A wide, fully heated skillet allows sauce to caramelize on the noodles instead of pooling underneath.

Planning, storage, and serving

Storage and reheating

Cool promptly, refrigerate in a shallow airtight container, and use within 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of water or oil until steaming; freezing is not recommended because noodles and cabbage soften.

Make-ahead tips

Slice vegetables and mix the sauce up to 1 day ahead. Cook noodles a few hours early, rinse, oil lightly, and refrigerate; stir-fry everything just before serving.

What to serve with it

- Orange chicken
- Stir-fried tofu or beef
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas

Equipment needed

- Large pot
- Wok or very wide skillet
- Tongs or two spatulas

Difficulty explained

The recipe is easy, but high heat and continuous tossing are needed to avoid soft, steamed noodles.

Nutrition estimate

Calories

340

Protein

Carbs

56g

Fat

Sat. fat

1.5g

Fiber

Sugar

Sodium

950mg

Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.

Alternatives

Use fresh yakisoba-style noodles if chow mein noodles are unavailable, following their package preparation so they do not overcook.
Vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce can replace oyster sauce; check soy sauce and noodles as well for dietary requirements.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or extra mushrooms after the vegetables for a more complete meal.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Fully cooking noodles in water leaves them mushy after stir-frying; stop while they still have a little bite.
A crowded or cool pan steams cabbage and noodles; use the widest pan available and work in batches if necessary.
Soy and oyster sauces are salty, so taste before adding extra salt and use lower-sodium versions if desired.

Nutrition Context

Noodles provide most carbohydrate, vegetables add some fiber, and oil plus sesame oil contribute fat; soy and oyster sauces make sodium significant.
Adding more cabbage and celery or a lean protein can make the serving more varied without increasing the sauce.

FAQ

Why should the noodles be slightly undercooked first?

They continue cooking in the hot wok and absorb sauce. Fully soft boiled noodles can become mushy during stir-frying.

What can replace oyster sauce?

Use vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce, or combine extra soy sauce with a small pinch of sugar. The replacement will be less deeply savory.

How do I get light caramelization without burning?

Use a wide hot skillet, avoid crowding, and keep tossing. Let noodles contact the surface briefly between tosses while watching the sauce.

Can I add protein to the chow mein?

Yes. Add thin cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu after the vegetables and before the noodles so everything heats evenly.

How should leftover chow mein be reheated?

Refrigerate promptly and reheat in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of water or oil. Toss just until hot to avoid overcooking the noodles.