Panda Express Chow Mein

Name: Copycat Chow Mein
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 14 oz package dry lo mein noodles (cooked as per package instructions); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 large stalks celery (cut on the diagonal); 2 cups thinly chopped cabbage; ½ yellow onion (sliced into thin half-moons); 3 large garlic cloves (minced); 2 Tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoons oyster sauce

Created On: May 12, 2020 | Updated: October 31, 2020 | 44 Comments

4.26

0.71

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This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is easy to make and come together in just 20 minutes. The recipe serves 6 and costs $4.26 to make. That’s just 71¢ per serving!

Do you ever find yourself getting into a rut with recipes? You have your go-to recipes on your usual rotation, which is great, but it can get repetitive and sometimes boring! We have an easy Chow Mein recipe to share with you to mix up your usual routine.

Homemade Chinese food is the best, in my opinion. It is just so fresh and tastes SO good. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your dish.

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein

Chow Mein combines noodles with stir-fried vegetables and a simple sauce. It’s a fantastic recipe to add to your collection of easy side dishes.

Our kids love these noodles, and they actually request second helpings. Yay for meals that leave no room for complaints! You can serve these noodles or add a protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.

We recommend serving this alongside our Panda Express Orange Chicken for a tasty dinner that won’t break the bank! Our Copycat Chow Mein recipe comes together faster than you can drive to Panda Express and order it! That alone makes this recipe a 5-star recipe, right?!

What is chow mein sauce made of?

Our Chow Mein sauce is made of soy sauce and oyster sauce. Super easy and tasty!

What is the difference between chop suey and chow mein?

The ingredients in chop suey and chow mein are very similar. The main difference is in the preparation and presentation. Chow mein is made by adding cooked noodles to the sauce and vegetables. Chop suey is made by serving the cooked vegetables and sauce over rice or fried noodles.

Is chow mein authentic Chinese food?

Chow mein does fall under the category of an authentic Chinese dish. However, how it is made in American restaurants has been slightly altered from the traditional dish. But the inspiration for the recipe does come from a traditional Chinese dish of vegetables and noodles.

Chow Mein on a white plate with chopsticks.

How to Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe:

First, pour oil into a large deep skillet and preheat until oil is simmering for 30 seconds.
Add the cabbage, celery, and onion to the skillet.
Then cook, constantly stirring until the onions are translucent.
Add garlic, and then add in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
Finally, stir until the vegetables are evenly distributed, and the noodles are coated and heated through. Serve and enjoy!

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

Ages 2-3: Have them help you prepare the celery by breaking the stalks from the bunch. They can also wash and clean the stalks.
Ages 4-5: Help them measure the soy sauce and oyster sauce. They can also count out the cloves of garlic.
Ages 6-8: Guide their hands on the knife as you show them how to chop the celery and cabbage.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

If you can’t find lo mein noodles, then you can use spaghetti.
Sometimes I make this a complete meal by adding chicken and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and snow peas.

What to Serve with Panda Express Chow Mein:

Orange Chicken

More $5 Recipes:

How long is this good for:

Serve: As with most recipes to avoid bacteria growing, you shouldn’t leave this Chow Mein out for longer than 2 hours.
Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Unfortunately, we do not recommend freezing this recipe. The vegetables will be a wilted mess upon defrosting.

How much will this Chow Mein recipe cost to make:

RECIPE COST: $4.26

PRICE PER SERVING: $0.71

14 oz package dry Lo Mein noodles – $2.52
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil – $0.09
2 cups thinly chopped cabbage – $0.26
3 large stalks celery – $0.27
1/2 yellow onion – $0.31
3 large garlic cloves – $0.15
2 Tablespoons soy sauce – $0.08
1 Tablespoon oyster sauce – $0.58

To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

Cook’s Tools:

large skillet
mixing spoon
colander
knife
cutting board
measuring spoons
measuring cups

Close up picture of Panda Express Chow Mein noodles.

Copycat Chow Mein

Recipe Cost 4.26

Serving Cost 0.71

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Chinese

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is easy to make and come together in just 20 minutes. The recipe serves 6 and costs $4.26 to make. That’s just 71¢ per serving!

Servings: 6 people

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Equipment

large skillet
mixing spoon
Colander
knife
cutting board
Measuring spoons
measuring cups

Ingredients

14 oz package dry lo mein noodles cooked as per package instructions
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 large stalks celery cut on the diagonal
2 cups thinly chopped cabbage
½ yellow onion sliced into thin half-moons
3 large garlic cloves minced
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoons oyster sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large deep pan or skillet add the oil. Preheat the pan on high until the oil is shimmering, about 30-45 seconds.
Add celery, cabbage, and onion and cook, stirring constantly, until the edges of the vegetables are browned and the onions are translucent about 4 minutes.
Add garlic and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds or until fragrant.
Stir in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Cook and stir constantly until the noodle and veggies are coated in the soy sauce and the noodles are heated through.
Serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

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