Why Make This Recipe
Making Panda Express Chow Mein imitation at home is a great way to enjoy a favorite takeout dish without leaving your house. It gives you control over the ingredients and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
How to Make Panda Express Chow Mein Imitation
Ingredients:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and celery, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pan.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce; toss everything together until noodles are heated through and evenly coated.
- Stir in the green onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chow mein!
How to Serve Panda Express Chow Mein Imitation
Serve your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein imitation hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. It pairs well as a side dish or can be enjoyed as a main dish on its own. You can also serve it with your choice of protein, like chicken or tofu, for a complete meal.
How to Store Panda Express Chow Mein Imitation
To store leftover chow mein, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Panda Express Chow Mein Imitation
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still crisp.
- Feel free to add other vegetables based on your preference, such as bell peppers or snap peas.
- For added flavor, you can include some sesame oil or crushed red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily turn this dish into a richer meal by adding proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just sauté them with the vegetables or heat them together with the noodles for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute chow mein noodles with lo mein noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.
2. Is the oyster sauce necessary?
While oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor, you can skip it if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan. Just add more soy sauce or use mushroom sauce instead.
3. Can I freeze chow mein?
It’s best to eat chow mein fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Panda Express Chow Mein Imitation
Ingredients
Method
- Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and celery, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the pan.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce; toss everything together until noodles are heated through and evenly coated.
- Stir in the green onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chow mein!