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Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Make a takeout-style chow mein at home with fresh yakisoba noodles, crisp vegetables, and a four-ingredient savory sauce. This quick stir-fry makes 4 servings in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Fresh yakisoba noodles or chow mein noodles
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium head Green cabbage, thinly sliced
Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Regular soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Loosen refrigerated yakisoba noodles according to the package directions. Many are already cooked and need only a brief rinse or 1 minute in hot water; drain very well. If using dry chow mein noodles, cook until just tender, then drain.
  2. Whisk the soy sauce, packed brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground black pepper together in a small bowl until the sugar is evenly dispersed.
  3. Heat the neutral vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high to high heat. Stir-fry the onion and celery for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly softened while still retaining some crispness.
  4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stop while the cabbage is tender-crisp rather than soft or watery.
  5. Add the drained noodles and prepared sauce to the pan. Toss continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the noodles are hot and evenly coated.
  6. Serve the chow mein immediately while the noodles are hot and the vegetables still have a light stir-fried bite.

Notes

Use a very hot wok or wide skillet, and cook in batches if the pan is crowded. Add the sauce only after the vegetables and noodles are in the pan, then toss quickly to prevent watery vegetables or soft noodles.