Description
This Panda Express-style chow mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry noodle dish that tastes just like your favorite takeout version—only better. Made with fresh veggies, simple seasonings, and an irresistible sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (or thin spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and toss well to coat. Stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste—more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- If noodles stick together, add a small splash of water while stir-frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: Homemade Chow Mein, Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein, Easy Chow Mein Recipe, Asian Stir-Fry Noodles