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Spicy Ground Beef Chow Mein (Panda Express Style Copycat)

This spicy beef chow mein is a savory, slightly sweet copycat of Panda Express with a homemade twist. It’s loaded with sautéed onions, cabbage, chili pepper, garlic, and a rich soy-based sauce — all tossed with springy noodles and ready in 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Copycat Recipe
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or fork

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packs Sapporo Ichiban noodles discard flavor packets
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small red chili pepper finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1½ to 2 tsp jarred minced garlic
  • 2 cups tricolor cabbage mix
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil plus extra for stir-frying
  • ½ cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the Noodles:
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the Sapporo noodles and cook for 2 minutes until loosened.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a splash of sesame oil and set aside.
  • Prep the Ingredients:
  • Dice chili pepper, slice onion and green onions (reserve some for garnish), measure garlic.
  • Make the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Set aside.
  • Cook the Ground Beef:
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil, then the ground beef, sliced onion, and diced chili pepper.
  • Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease and return pan to heat.
  • Add Garlic & Cabbage:
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Add the cabbage mix and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.
  • Toss Noodles & Sauce:
  • Add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce.
  • Toss together for 2–3 minutes until hot and fully combined.
  • Season with black pepper to taste.
  • Garnish & Serve:
  • Stir in most of the green onions.
  • Serve hot, topped with remaining green onions and optional sesame seeds or chili flakes.

Notes

  • Jarred garlic: 1½ tsp = about 2 cloves. Use 2 tsp for extra flavor.
  • Skip the chili pepper for a milder dish.
  • Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work great too.
  • Add sesame seeds, chili oil, or sriracha for an extra kick.