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. This healthy, colorful medley transforms simple vegetables into something special with authentic Asian flavors.
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Table of Contents
Stir-fry mixed vegetables
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
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 the overall savory flavor profile
- Broccoli florets – Add hearty texture, vibrant color, and significant nutritional value
- Zucchini – Provides tender contrast to crunchier vegetables and adds moisture
- Carrots – Contribute natural sweetness, bright color, and pleasant crunch
- Green beans – Deliver satisfying texture and maintain crispness when cooked
- Green cabbage – Brings subtle sweetness, adds volume, and absorbs flavors well
- Vegetable oil – Creates a 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
- Take a large stockpot and fill it halfway with water. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- 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.
- Remove the vegetables from the pot and drain them.
- Heat a wok, and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a dash of sesame oil, and the garlic and ginger.
- Cook until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Add the drained vegetables to the wok.
- 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 the velveting technique (detailed below)
- Serve family-style with multiple dishes
- Include fortune cookies for an authentic experience
Storage & Reheating Instructions for this Vegtable Stir Fry
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, keeping vegetables slightly underdone for reheating
- Reheating Method: Quick stir-fry in hot wok for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture
- Meal Prep Tips: Blanch vegetables ahead of time and store separately, then stir-fry just before serving
- Freezing: Not recommended as vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become mushy
More Panda Express Copycat Recipes
Favorite Chinese Food Recipes
- PF Changs Lettuce Wraps
- Easy Spare Ribs Recipe
- Mongolian Beef Recipe
- Hunan Style Chicken
- Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken
- General Tso Chicken
- Egg Foo Young
- Fried Crispy Wontons
Be sure to check out my easy Asian food recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.
Panda Express Mixed Vegetables Recipe
Crisp-tender mixed vegetables just like Panda Express! This healthy copycat recipe is ready in 20 minutes and perfect as a side dish.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 177kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced zucchini sliced in half and then sliced into half circles
- 1 cup carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 pound green beans trimmed, and cut in half
- 1/2 green cabbage cut into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
- Take a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Add chicken stock to the pot. Bring the pot to a boil.
- 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. Remove vegetables from the pot.
- Drain vegetables well.
- Heat a wok on medium to high heat, and vegetable oil, a dash of sesame oil, and the garlic and ginger.
- Cook the garlic and ginger until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add the drained vegetables to the wok. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes stir to coat the vegetables well with the seasoned wok oil. Drizzle soy sauce onto the vegetables Ser.ve immediately.
Notes
Pro Recipe Tips
- Vegetable Prep: Cut all vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
- Temperature Control: Keep water at a rolling boil for proper blanching
- Don’t Overcook: Remove vegetables when broccoli turns bright green – they’ll continue cooking slightly in the wok
Nutrition
Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 6052IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg
This copy cat recipe is the best!!! In my opinion, this recipe is better than Panda. So good, even my husband loves them 😋. Going to make this my go to veggies!
You made my daughter’s day with this recipe! She loves the greens at Panda Express and being able to make them at home is wonderful!
Made these last night for dinner and they are a dead ringer for Panda Express!
This is such an amazing meal any night of the week!
This was a huge hit at my house!! Perfect day starter!
These veggies were so easy and delicious! They’re definitely worth making!
All my favorite vegetables in one dish!
Wow, these are super easy and delicious! Even my picky kids like them!