Panda Express Mixed Vegetables

After countless takeout orders from Panda Express, I discovered their mixed vegetables were the perfect side dish that never disappointed. Through trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve perfected this copycat recipe that delivers the same crisp-tender vegetables and subtle seasoning that makes the original so popular.

Are you looking for delicious ways to eat healthier and get more veggies into your diet? Then you have to give Panda Express Mixed Vegetables a try! Make this recipe exactly as written for a tasty side that goes great with more than just Asian food, or turn this dish into a complete meal by adding a protein and a bowl of rice. Any way you eat it, making mixed Asian vegetables is so quick and easy that you will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality results at home
• Ready in just 20 minutes
• It is the perfect healthy side dish
• Customizable to your taste
• Budget-friendly
• Great for meal prep

Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot
• Wok or large skillet
• Slotted spoon or spider
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients and Their Roles

Base Ingredients

• Chicken stock – Creates flavorful poaching liquid and adds umami depth to vegetables
• Soy sauce – Provides natural salt and enhances overall savory flavor profile
• Broccoli florets – Adds hearty texture, vibrant color, and significant nutritional value
• Zucchini – Provides tender contrast to crunchier vegetables and adds moisture
• Carrots – Contributes natural sweetness, bright color, and pleasant crunch
• Green beans – Delivers satisfying texture and maintains crispness when cooked
• Green cabbage – Brings subtle sweetness, adds volume, and absorbs flavors well
• Vegetable oil – Creates proper stir-frying environment and prevents sticking
• Sesame oil – Adds distinctive Asian flavor and aromatic nuttiness
• Fresh garlic – Provides essential aromatic base and savory depth
• Fresh ginger – Adds zesty warmth and authentic Asian flavor profile

How to Make Panda Express Mixed Vegetables

1. Take a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. 
2. Place all vegetables into the pot at once. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the broccoli is bright green, and the carrots have softened.
   

   

3. Remove vegetables from the pot and drain.
4. Heat a wok, and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a dash of sesame oil, and the garlic and ginger.
5. Cook until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
   

   

6. Add the drained vegetables to the wok.
7. Toss the vegetables with oil for a minute then remove them from the wok and serve.

Substitutions and Modifications

Make it Your Own

• Vegetable Options: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers
• Stock Alternatives: Vegetable stock for vegetarian version
• Oil Options: Peanut oil or avocado oil work well
• Sauce Additions: Try teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan: Use vegetable stock
• Low-sodium: Reduce soy sauce, use low-sodium stock
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce

Make it a Meal

• Add protein using velveting technique (detailed below)
• Serve family-style with multiple dishes
• Include fortune cookies for authentic experience

Velveting Technique for Added Protein

Mix together:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• Optional splash of white wine Coat sliced meat/tofu and refrigerate 1 hour before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
• Freeze: Not recommended – vegetables will become mushy
• Cool completely before storing

Reheating Methods

• Wok: Quick stir-fry until heated
• Microwave: 30-second intervals
• Avoid overcooking when reheating

More Panda Express Copycat Recipes

Favorite Chinese Food Recipes

Be sure to check out my easy Asian food recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.

Panda Express Mixed Veggies

Enjoy the Panda Mixed Vegetables even more when you cook them at home.