Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Introduction
Panda Express Chow Mein is a quick and tasty stir-fried noodle dish packed with crunchy cabbage, savory onions, and a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal, it captures the essence of takeout right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients
- 6 ounces chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage (about ⅓ cabbage)
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or grated ginger)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the 6 ounces of chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sliced green cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger paste, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for an additional few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and serve fresh.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when adding the noodles back to the skillet.
- Use fresh ginger instead of ginger paste for a brighter flavor.
- Try adding sliced bell peppers or bean sprouts for more texture and color.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes, you can substitute with thin egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti if chow mein noodles are unavailable. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives, and ensure the noodles are made from rice or other gluten-free grains.
Print
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe delivers a deliciously authentic takeout-style stir-fried noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home. Featuring tender chow mein noodles with sautéed cabbage and onions, all tossed in a flavorful garlic-ginger soy-hoisin sauce, it’s a perfect satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Chow Mein Noodles
- 6 ounces chow mein noodles
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage (about ⅓ cabbage)
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or grated ginger
Sauces & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Prepare the 6 ounces of chow mein noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup thinly sliced onion and 2 ½ cups sliced green cabbage. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
- Combine and toss: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
- Finish cooking and serve: Cook the mixture for an additional few minutes to allow flavors to meld and the noodles to warm through. Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chow mein noodles with lo mein noodles or thin spaghetti if unavailable.
- Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce quantities to taste for saltiness and sweetness.
- Adding protein such as sliced chicken, beef, or tofu can turn this into a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
- Ensure noodles are not overcooked to maintain the perfect chewy texture in the final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Keywords: Panda Express Chow Mein, chow mein noodles, Chinese noodles recipe, stir-fried noodles, homemade chow mein, vegetable chow mein

