Sharing is caring!

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with tender noodles and crisp vegetables just like the restaurant favorite. Made with simple ingredients like cabbage, celery, onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this easy chow mein recipe comes together fast and tastes even better than takeout.

This is one of those recipes I started making because I got tired of paying takeout prices for what felt like mostly noodles.

And honestly? Once I figured out how easy it was to make at home, I almost stopped ordering it completely.

Panda Express chow mein has always been my favorite side there. I know fried rice usually gets all the attention, but I’ve always gone straight for the noodles. They’re savory, slightly sweet, full of flavor, and somehow still simple at the same time.  And my kids love it, so it is always a hit in our house. 

The first time I made this at home, I was honestly shocked at how close it tasted.

The cabbage, celery, onion, sesame oil… it all comes together into that exact flavor that makes Panda chow mein so good. And once the noodles soak up the sauce, it tastes like real takeout without ever leaving the house.

This is also one of my favorite recipes for busy nights because it cooks FAST.

Once the noodles are boiled, the rest comes together in one skillet in just a few minutes. It’s one of those dinners that feels like you actually cooked something good, but it doesn’t leave your kitchen destroyed afterward.

And it’s so easy to customize.

Sometimes I’ll throw in leftover chicken or steak to turn it into a full meal, and other times we just serve it as a side with homemade orange chicken or teriyaki beef.

The first time I made this, I set the pan down on the table and everyone immediately started grabbing noodles straight out of the skillet before I even had plates ready. That’s usually how I know something’s going to end up on repeat around here.

And honestly, once you realize how easy homemade chow mein is, it’s hard to go back to paying takeout prices for it.

What Is Panda Express Chow Mein?

Panda Express Chow Mein is a popular takeout noodle dish made with stir-fried noodles, cabbage, celery, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce.

Unlike crispy chow mein, this version uses soft noodles tossed with vegetables and seasonings until coated in a flavorful sauce. It’s one of Panda Express’s most popular side dishes because it pairs perfectly with almost any entrée.

This homemade version recreates that same flavor and texture right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than takeout at home
• Easy 20-minute recipe
• Budget-friendly dinner
• Great side dish or main meal
• Packed with savory flavor
• Family-friendly
• Easy to customize

When To Serve This Recipe

This chow mein is perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Homemade takeout nights
• Meal prep
• Side dishes for Asian-inspired meals
• Quick lunches
• Family dinners

Ingredients 

Noodles

14 ounces lo mein noodles
These give the most authentic texture, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work in a pinch.

Vegetables

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Used to stir fry the vegetables and noodles.

4 cups angel sliced cabbage
One of the signature vegetables in Panda Express chow mein.

3 celery stalks, sliced
Adds crunch and flavor.

1 small onion, diced
Adds sweetness and savory depth.

Sauce

½ cup lite soy sauce
Creates the savory base of the sauce without becoming overly salty.

2 tablespoons sesame oil
Adds rich flavor and authentic takeout taste.

½ tablespoon rice vinegar
Balances the savory sauce with a little acidity.

1 tablespoon sugar
Adds the slight sweetness Panda chow mein is known for.

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Adds richness and depth.

3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Garnish

Scallions and sesame seeds (optional)
Adds freshness and texture before serving.

How To Make Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add cabbage, celery, and onion.
5. Stir fry for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
6. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and garlic.
7. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add cooked noodles to the skillet.
9. Toss gently until the noodles are fully coated in sauce.
10. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
11. Serve warm.

Substitutions

Lo mein noodles → spaghetti or fettuccine
Lite soy sauce → coconut aminos
Sesame oil → omit if needed, but flavor changes
Cabbage → coleslaw mix for convenience

Variations

Chicken Chow Mein

Add cooked chicken breast or thighs.

Spicy Chow Mein

Add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.

Beef Chow Mein

Add sliced steak or ground beef.

Vegetable Chow Mein

Add mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers.

Tips & Tricks

Do not overcook the vegetables, slight crunch is best.

Prep ingredients ahead because the recipe cooks quickly.

Use a large skillet or wok for easier tossing.

Add extra sesame oil if you like richer restaurant-style noodles.

Storage + Make Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Add a splash of soy sauce or water when reheating if needed.

FAQs

What noodles does Panda Express use for chow mein?

Panda Express uses soft wheat noodles similar to lo mein noodles. For the closest homemade version, lo mein noodles work best, but spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Why does Panda Express chow mein taste different from homemade versions?

A lot of the signature flavor comes from sesame oil, soy sauce, cabbage, and cooking everything quickly over high heat. This recipe recreates those flavors while keeping the process simple enough for home cooking.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely. Chicken, steak, shrimp, or even tofu all work well in this chow mein. Adding protein turns it from a side dish into a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but chow mein is definitely best fresh. If making ahead, store it in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet to help keep the noodles from becoming too soft.

Why are my noodles sticking together?

This usually happens if the noodles sit too long after draining. Tossing them with a tiny bit of oil after cooking can help keep them separated until you’re ready to add them to the skillet.

Serving Ideas

Serve this chow mein with:

• Orange chicken
• Teriyaki chicken
• Egg rolls
• Fried rice
• Beef and broccoli

Continue to Content

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein (Easy Homemade Chow Mein Recipe)

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is the perfect side dish to any dinner.  You can even throw some chicken in it and make it a meal.  The chow mein is my go to side at Panda and now I can make it right at home.  You only need a handful of ingredients like cabbage, onion, celery, garlic, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil to make these flavorful noodles.

Print

Ingredients

• 14 ounces lo mein noodles
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups angel sliced cabbage
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• Small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup lite soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Boil and drain your noodles according to box directions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat add your vegetable oil, cabbage, celery and onion. 
3. Let cook while stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are just softened. 
4. To the pan add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce and garlic.
5. Cook everything together while stirring for 1 minute.
6. Toss your noodles in and gently toss with the sauce until everything is combined.
7. Serve!

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can add any cooked protein you like.
• A little red pepper flake would give this dish a great kick.
• You can use fettuccine noodles or any spaghetti shaped pasta instead of lo mein noodles.
• Panda Express chow mein can be quite oily so if you like you can add more vegetable oil or even some butter if you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 380Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 2218mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 7gSugar: 15gProtein: 11g

Nutrition information provided on this website is an estimate only and is offered as a courtesy and can be incorrect. These calculations are generated automatically using an online nutrition calculator, so results may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, substitutions, and portion sizes used.I am not a nutritionist or registered dietitian, and this information should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for dietary or nutritional guidance specific to your needs.

More Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you love this Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein, here are even more easy Asian-inspired dinners from the site that pair perfectly with noodles, rice, stir fry veggies, or a full takeout-style meal at home. These recipes are packed with sweet, savory, sticky, and comforting flavors that make busy weeknights feel a little more fun.

• Chicken Stir-fry with Asian Noodles – this easy chicken noodle stir fry is a family-friendly dinner packed with tender chicken, noodles, and Asian-inspired flavor for a simple meal that works great on busy nights.
• Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken – tender chicken slow cooks in a sweet and savory sauce with crunchy cashews and bell peppers for an easy crockpot dinner that tastes even better than takeout.
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef – this easy slow cooker beef dinner is full of rich teriyaki flavor and only needs a few simple ingredients, making it perfect served over rice or alongside chow mein.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen – tender chicken, ramen noodles, vegetables, and flavorful broth come together for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with lots of takeout-style comfort.
• The Best Pork Lo Mein – this quick and flavorful pork lo mein is a perfect noodle dinner to pair with your Panda Express-style chow mein theme and makes a great homemade takeout meal.
• Asian Chicken Kabobs – juicy marinated chicken grilled on skewers with bold Asian-inspired flavor makes an easy dinner that is perfect for cookouts, weeknights, or serving with noodles and rice.

This Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein is one of those recipes that proves homemade takeout can actually be easier than ordering out.

It’s quick, flavorful, budget-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you want comfort food fast.

And once you realize how simple it is to make, you’ll probably start craving it even more often.