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Panda Express Chow Mein

Panda Express Chow Mein
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Panda Express Chow Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish featuring tender egg noodles stir-fried with fresh vegetables in a perfectly balanced savory and subtly sweet sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers that nostalgic takeout flavor with a satisfying contrast of crunchy veggies and soft noodles, customizable with proteins and adaptations to suit any dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Cooked chicken, beef strips, shrimp, or tofu for protein boost
  • Extra vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms
  • Chili flakes or Sriracha for spicy kick
  • Rice noodles and tamari sauce for gluten-free option
  • Low-sodium soy sauce and reduced salt for low-sodium version

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness, then set aside.
  2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shredded cabbage, sliced celery, and julienned carrots, stir-frying until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and drizzle sesame oil over. Toss together over heat until noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well to achieve the perfect balance of savory and sweet, then remove from heat.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer chow mein to plates or a serving dish and serve immediately to satisfy your craving.

Notes

  • Use high heat to stir-fry quickly, preserving vegetable crunch.
  • Do not overcook noodles to maintain their springy texture.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking for smooth workflow.
  • Toss ingredients gently to avoid breaking noodles.
  • Adjust soy and oyster sauce amounts to suit your taste.
  • Optional garnishes include chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
  • Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freeze up to 1 month.
  • Reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Panda Express, chow mein, Chinese-American, stir-fry noodles, egg noodles, quick recipe, takeout copycat, easy dinner, vegetable chow mein

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/panda-express-chow-mein/