Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe – Takeout at Home
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe – Takeout at Home
If you’ve ever found yourself craving Panda Express Chow Mein late at night but didn’t want to brave the drive-thru, you’re not alone. This recipe brings that same savory goodness to your kitchen in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s customizable, so you can toss in your favorite veggies or protein. But before you start chopping, consider how this dish can enhance your weeknight meals beyond the typical routine and what secrets lie behind achieving that signature flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re in search of a quick and delicious meal, you’ll love this Panda Express Chow Mein recipe. It’s designed for busy lifestyles and can be ready in under 30 minutes. You won’t need to hunt for complicated ingredients; most are pantry staples you probably already have.
This dish isn’t just a side; it can easily turn into a fulfilling meal. Just add protein like chicken, shrimp, or beef, and you’re all set. Its cooking process locks in the crunchiness of the vegetables, so you enjoy that perfect texture. Plus, the chow mein noodles are typically stir-fried, which contributes to their delightful crunch.
What’s great is that you can customize the ingredients to fit your tastes. You might add special elements like Shaoxing wine or swap in other veggies, making it truly yours.
Plus, using fresh ingredients means your version is healthier than takeout. It’s cost-effective, too. Why pay more for takeout when you can whip this up at home?
And if you have leftovers, they last in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated easily. This recipe offers flexibility and deliciousness in one simple package!
History
One of the most beloved fast-casual dining chains in America, Panda Express, was founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng at the Glendale Galleria in California. The restaurant quickly made a name for itself with items like The Original Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp. These dishes showcased the flavors of Chinese cuisine, appealing to a wide audience.
As Panda Express grew, it expanded beyond the U.S., opening its first international location in Mexico City. This move kicked off further expansions to places like Guam, Puerto Rico, Canada, South Korea, and Dubai.
In 2016, the company launched the Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, California. This spot focuses on exploring new menus and service options, keeping the brand fresh and exciting.
In recent years, Panda Express has committed to upgrading its menu through initiatives like the “Panda Promise.” This five-year roadmap aims to enhance nutritional quality, reduce sodium and sugar, and remove artificial ingredients. Ongoing health initiatives include the continuous sodium reduction over the past five years, demonstrating their dedication to improving the health of their offerings.
Programs like Wok Smart offer healthier dishes with less than 300 calories. Panda Express continues to adapt to consumer needs while maintaining the flavors you love.
Recipe
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that features stir-fried noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Panda Express version, which is known for its delightful balance of flavors and textures. Using fresh noodles improves the dish’s overall chewiness and satisfaction, while a medley of vegetables adds color and nutrition. The sauce, made from simple yet effective ingredients, coats the noodles and vegetables perfectly, guaranteeing a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick preparation and cooking time make this Chow Mein an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious stir-fry that rivals your favorite takeout. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to include your favorite vegetables and proteins.
Let’s jump into the ingredients needed and the cooking steps for this delightful Chow Mein recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh Chow Mein noodles or Pancit noodles
- Celery, sliced
- White onion, sliced
- Cabbage, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Light soy sauce
- Sugar
- Shaoxing wine (or alternatives)
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Chicken broth (optional)
- MSG (optional)
- Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch fresh Chow Mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened, then drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the celery, white onion, and cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger, adding a depth of flavor.
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Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine light soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined; set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat a large pan or wok over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced celery, onions, and cabbage into the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender yet still crisp.
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Add Noodles: Add the blanched noodles to the pan, stirring constantly to mix them with the vegetables. Stir-fry until the noodles begin to char, about 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Mix thoroughly to confirm the noodles absorb the sauce evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce coats the noodles and everything is heated through.
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Serve: Once the noodles have absorbed the sauce and the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove from heat and serve hot.
Extra Tips
For an added burst of flavor, consider garnishing your Chow Mein with some sesame seeds or fresh scallions.
If you like your dish spicier, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry. Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein!
Final Thoughts
Making Panda Express Chow Mein at home isn’t just a rewarding experience; it allows you to customize the dish to suit your taste. You can play with the ingredients, adding more vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to create your perfect flavor profile.
The main ingredients include yakisoba noodles, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and your choice of vegetables like celery, onion, and cabbage.
Preparation is simple: cook the noodles per the package instructions, mix your sauce, and stir-fry everything in one pan. You can have this dish ready in about 15 minutes, making it a quick meal option. Additionally, the total calories per serving in your homemade chow mein is around 499.4 kCal, allowing for easy dietary management.
Nutritionally, your homemade chow mein offers a balanced meal with significant fiber, protein, and low cholesterol levels. It has about 489 calories, so if you’re watching your intake, you can manage your servings accordingly.
If you want to switch things up, consider using lo mein or ramen noodles instead. You can also make it vegetarian by replacing oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry alternative.
FAQ
If you have questions about making Panda Express Chow Mein at home, you’re in the right place.
First off, if you can’t find chow mein noodles, yakisoba or lo mein are great substitutes. Use regular green cabbage instead of napa cabbage, as it has less moisture. For veggies, consider mung bean sprouts or snap peas for variety. Additionally, this recipe is perfect for busy families seeking quick meals who want to enjoy a delicious dish at home.
When cooking the noodles, boil them in unsalted water for just about a minute—aim for an al dente texture.
Use a wok or large pan on high heat for stir-frying, keeping the veggies slightly soft yet crispy. Remember to slice your vegetables thinly for even cooking.
For the sauce, mix oyster sauce with other ingredients in a bowl and add near the end of the cooking process. If you want to thicken it, cornstarch works well. You can add proteins like chicken or flank steak to make it heartier.
Finally, don’t rinse the noodles after straining; this prevents excess moisture. High heat is key to guarantee a good stir-fry and a well-coated dish.
Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
