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Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a quick and delicious side dish that mimics the popular restaurant-style noodles with soft, flavorful ramen noodles, crisp cabbage, celery, and green onions coated in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a fast and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 12 Tbsp. water or chicken stock
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp. cornstarch
  • Pinch of white pepper

For the Stir Fry

  • 1 Tbsp. canola or vegetable oil
  • 34 cups thinly shredded cabbage
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 4 green onions, chopped into 12 inch segments
  • 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 3 packages (~8–10 ounces cooked) ramen noodles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ramen Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and spin them in a salad spinner to remove excess water. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking and set aside until ready to stir-fry.
  2. Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, water or chicken stock, sugar, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper in a bowl. Set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: Heat canola or vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot. Add shredded cabbage and celery and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the vegetables are slightly softened but retain a crisp texture. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add a little more oil to the empty side of the wok, then add the chopped green onions and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then combine everything together in the wok.
  5. Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the prepared ramen noodles and the sauce mixture to the wok. Toss everything together and stir-fry over medium heat until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened, coating the noodles and vegetables evenly.
  6. Serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with extra green onions if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat with 1–2 teaspoons of oil. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, tossing frequently. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the noodles need loosening.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Chinese