Fakeout Kitchen

Panda Express-Style Chow Mein

This version replaces refined noodles and industrial seed oils with nutrient-dense brown rice noodles and avocado oil for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz organic brown rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 lb organic chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup organic broccoli florets
  • 1 large organic carrot, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp organic tamari
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

  • Canola or Soybean oil (typical restaurant) → Avocado oil — Eliminates inflammatory industrial seed oils.
  • Refined white flour noodles → Brown rice noodles — Provides whole-food fiber and a lower glycemic load.
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup/Sugar → Raw honey — Uses a natural, unprocessed sweetener instead of refined sugar.

Instructions

  1. Cook the brown rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, honey, ginger, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
  3. Heat avocado oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken slices to the pan and sear until golden brown and cooked through (approx. 6 minutes). Remove from pan.
  5. In the same pan, add broccoli and carrots, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the cooked noodles, seared chicken, and sauce mixture back into the wok.
  8. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until thoroughly coated and heated through, then garnish with scallions.

FAQ

Is this version gluten-free?

Yes, by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and brown rice noodles.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with 1 block of firm organic tofu, pressed and cubed before sautéing.

Cooked it?

Mark it made — add a photo if you like.