Panda Express Chow Mein (Price, Calories, Recipe)

Panda Express Chow Mein is one of the most popular side dishes on the Panda Express menu. Known for its savory flavor, soft noodles, and crunchy vegetables, this dish perfectly complements many Panda Express entrées like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef.

Many customers prefer Chow Mein over rice because it offers a richer texture and stronger flavor thanks to the soy sauce and wok-style cooking. The combination of noodles, cabbage, celery, and garlic gives the dish a balanced taste that is both satisfying and flavorful.

In this complete guide, you will learn everything about Panda Express Chow Mein including its price, calories, ingredients, nutrition facts, taste, and a simple copycat recipe you can make at home.

What Is Panda Express Chow Mein?

Panda Express Chow Mein is a Chinese-American noodle dish made with stir-fried wheat noodles and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and garlic. Unlike traditional Chinese chow mein, Panda Express uses a slightly different style that focuses on soft noodles mixed with crunchy cabbage and celery. The noodles are stir-fried in a wok to create a slightly smoky flavor. This side dish is commonly served with main entrées such as:

• Orange Chicken
• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Beijing Beef

Because of its savory flavor and filling portion, Panda Express Chow Mein is considered one of the most ordered side dishes on the menu.

Panda Express Chow Mein Price

Panda Express Chow Mein is typically available as a side dish or included with combination meals such as bowls and plates. Below is the average price range in the United States.

Item	Estimated Price
Side Order	$4 – $5
Bowl Meal	Included
Plate Meal	Included
Bigger Plate	Included

Prices can vary depending on location and restaurant branch, but Chow Mein is usually included in combo meals without extra cost.

Panda Express Chow Mein Calories & Nutrition

If you are monitoring your diet, it is helpful to know the nutritional information before ordering Panda Express Chow Mein. Here is the approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~510 kcal
Protein	~9 g
Fat	~20 g
Carbohydrates	~80 g
Sodium	~950 mg

Because Chow Mein contains noodles cooked in oil and soy sauce, it tends to be higher in carbohydrates and sodium compared to some other Panda Express side dishes. However, the vegetables in the dish add fiber and nutrients.

Panda Express Chow Mein Ingredients

The flavor of Panda Express Chow Mein comes from a simple combination of noodles, vegetables, and savory sauces. Main ingredients include:

• Wheat noodles
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Vegetable oil

These ingredients are stir-fried together to create the dish’s signature savory and slightly smoky flavor.

What Does Panda Express Chow Mein Taste Like?

Panda Express Chow Mein has a savory and slightly smoky taste that comes from soy sauce and wok cooking. The noodles are soft and slightly chewy, while the vegetables add a light crunch that improves the texture. The overall flavor profile can be described as:

• Savory soy sauce flavor
• Mild garlic aroma
• Soft noodles
• Slightly crunchy vegetables

Because the taste is not overly spicy or sweet, Chow Mein pairs well with many different entrées.

Panda Express Chow Mein Portion Size

One reason Panda Express Chow Mein is so popular is its generous portion size. Here are the typical serving sizes.

• Side order: small portion of noodles and vegetables
• Bowl meal: one entrée with a serving of Chow Mein
• Plate meal: two entrées with a larger portion of Chow Mein

The portion is usually large enough to make the meal very filling and satisfying.

Panda Express Chow Mein vs Fried Rice

Many customers often compare Chow Mein with another popular Panda Express side dish, Fried Rice.

Feature	Chow Mein	Fried Rice
Main Ingredient	Noodles	Rice
Flavor	Savory soy flavor	Mild soy flavor
Texture	Soft noodles	Slightly firm rice
Calories	Higher	Slightly lower

If you enjoy noodles and a stronger soy sauce flavor, Chow Mein is usually the better option. If you prefer a lighter dish, Fried Rice might be a good alternative.

Best Entrées to Eat With Chow Mein

Chow Mein pairs well with many Panda Express entrées. Some of the most popular combinations include:

• Orange Chicken with Chow Mein
• Honey Walnut Shrimp with Chow Mein
• Beijing Beef with Chow Mein
• Kung Pao Chicken with Chow Mein

These combinations balance flavors and create a complete Panda Express meal.

Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat Recipe

If you enjoy Panda Express Chow Mein, you can easily prepare a copycat version at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan.
3. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add cabbage and celery and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add noodles and soy sauce.
6. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.

This homemade recipe produces a flavor very similar to Panda Express Chow Mein.

Is Panda Express Chow Mein Healthy?

Panda Express Chow Mein can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it is important to watch portion sizes. The dish contains:

• moderate calories
• high carbohydrates
• relatively high sodium

If you want a lighter meal, pairing a small portion of Chow Mein with vegetables or lean protein can be a good option.

Can You Freeze Panda Express Chow Mein?

Yes, Panda Express Chow Mein can be stored and reheated later. Storage tips:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 1 month

When reheating, use a pan or microwave with a small amount of oil or water to keep the noodles from drying out.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• One of the most popular Panda Express side dishes
• Savory flavor that pairs with many entrées
• Contains vegetables like cabbage and celery

Cons

• High sodium content
• Higher carbohydrates compared to some side dishes

If you enjoy seafood dishes, you may also like Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, one of the most popular premium items on the Panda Express menu.

Conclusion

Panda Express Chow Mein is a flavorful noodle dish that combines soft wheat noodles, crunchy vegetables, and savory soy sauce. Its balanced flavor and satisfying portion make it one of the most popular side dishes at Panda Express.

Whether you order it with Orange Chicken or prepare a homemade copycat version, Chow Mein remains a classic choice for Panda Express fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)