How to make lo mein panda express: the secret recipe revealed!

Lo mein, a beloved Chinese dish, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. With its delectable blend of chewy noodles, savory sauce, and vibrant vegetables, it’s no surprise that Panda Express‘s version has become a culinary icon.

If you’re craving this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, follow this comprehensive guide to recreate the magic of Panda Express lo mein.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 package (12 ounces) dried lo mein noodles
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the green onions, carrots, celery, broccoli, and bell peppers and sauté until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.

4. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the lo mein with additional green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• To make the lo mein gluten-free, use gluten-free lo mein noodles.
• For a spicier dish, add a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or tofu.

Variations:

• Chicken Lo Mein: Add 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken to the dish.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace the chicken with 1 pound of cooked and peeled shrimp.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve lo mein as a main dish or side dish.
• Pair it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers for a complete meal.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or sliced almonds for extra crunch.

A Taste of Panda Express at Home

With just a few simple steps, you can now enjoy the delectable flavors of Panda Express lo mein in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will guide you to recreate this beloved dish with ease and precision.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried noodles?

Yes, you can use fresh lo mein noodles. Simply cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the skillet.

2. How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened and coats the noodles evenly. It should not be too thin or too thick.

3. Can I make lo mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can make lo mein ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. However, it’s best to cook the noodles and vegetables separately and combine them just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

4. How do I store leftover lo mein?

Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

5. What are some other ways to customize lo mein?

You can customize lo mein to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or sauces. For example, try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu. You can also experiment with different sauce flavors, such as hoisin sauce or oyster sauce.