Panda Express offers many delicious American and Chinese cuisines. However, chow mein is one of the favorite dishes for homemade food lovers. This may be due to its easy-to-make and time-saving recipe.
You can find many copycat recipes for Panda Express chow mein on several websites, but most may not give you the perfect Panda-style recipe. The key to making the exact replica is keeping the recipe simple. We have put together the best copycat Panda Express chow mein recipe for homemade chow mein lovers.
Are you craving a homemade copycat Panda Express chow mein? Well, we can help you satisfy your cravings. Join us as we take you on a step-by-step guide on an easy Panda Express chow mein recipe.
Why The Panda Express Chow Mein Is So Special
A dish can be said to be special for not just one but many reasons. Panda Express chow mein is a very special dish for many reasons. It is easy to recreate, made with regular ingredients, takes up very little cooking time, and the best part is its delicious taste. To summarize, Panda Express chow mein is a simple yet amazing dish, making it extremely special. The best part is that you can make a copycat Panda Express chow mein in your home.
Ingredients you Will Need For Panda Style Chow Mein
One of the factors that discourages most people from trying out new recipes is finding all the needed ingredients. You do not need to worry about not having some of the ingredients needed for making the perfect Panda Express chow mein copycat. This is because the chow mein ingredients Panda Express, needed for Panda style chow mein are regular and can be easily found in grocery stores or your home.
Ingredients
packages of chow mein noodles (these are Chinese egg noodles, and they can be found in stores with Chinese grocery sections)
- Medium onions
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Vegetable oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Light soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
- Sesame oil
Prepping the Vegetables Like a Pro
A Panda Express chow mein copycat without vegetables is an abomination. Vegetables are a strong part of what makes the chow mein recipe amazing. Prepping vegetables for this dish is simple but requires great attention. Firstly, you have to ensure that the vegetables are properly washed. Secondly, the vegetables are to be sliced thinly and in uniform. Cabbage, celery, and carrots are the best vegetables for a copycat recipe for Panda Express chow mein. You can use other vegetables of your choice, but ensure you go for the crunchy ones.
How to Make The Perfect Chow Mein
Making the perfect copycat recipe for Panda Express chow mein requires a step-by-step approach. The first step is ensuring you have all the ingredients and cooking wares. The next step is to start the cooking process.
Prepare the noodle sauce
Mix the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small bowl. After combining properly, set the bowl aside and proceed to the next step.
Blanch the chow mein noodles
Put the chow mein noodles in a pan that is half filled with water boiled on medium-high heat. Allow the noodles to blanch in the water till they loosen, then strain them out immediately. (Please do not rinse the noodles)
Prep and stir-fry the vegetables
Wash the vegetables thoroughly, slice them thinly, and set them aside. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan, then fry the onions, cabbage, and celery for a minute. Don’t over-fry the vegetables; they taste better when crunchy.
Toss everything together
Add more vegetable oil to the pan, next, you add the noodles, and sauce, then combine them thoroughly. Ensure the noodles are well coated and mixed with the sauce and vegetables. Adjust the taste to your preference, then take it off the heat. Your homemade Panda Express chow mein is ready to be enjoyed!
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Making Chow Mein
As simple as the Panda Express chow mein recipe is, a small mistake can affect the dish’s taste. Take note of these common mistakes to avoid when making chow mein.
- Do not over-soak your chow mein noodles.
- Avoid frying your vegetables for long
- Stir-frying on high heat will ruin the expected result.
FAQ
What kind of noodles are used in Panda Express chow mein?
The noodles used in Panda Express chow mein are Chinese egg noodles or Yakisoba.
Can I replace Chow Mein noodles with spaghetti noodles?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti noodles for chow mein noodles. However, to achieve the exact replica of Panda Express chow mein, you should use chow mein noodles.
Can chicken, beef, or tofu be added to the chow mein recipe?
The chow mein recipe can be modified to add chicken, beef, or tofu. We didn’t mention protein because it is optional.
Can I freeze Homemade Chow mein for later
Yes, you can freeze homemade chow mein for later. As long as it is well packaged, chow mein can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Panda Express chow mein has always been a go-to meal for most Chinese food lovers, and this doesn’t come as a surprise, especially due to its delicious taste. You can easily order a delicious Panda Express chow mein from any Panda Express restaurant around if you are not up for cooking. Otherwise, you can try our simple homemade recipe.
