Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Chewy chow mein noodles stir-fried in a savory sauce with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions come together in just 15 minutes with this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein recipe. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, providing a quick and satisfying meal that rivals takeout. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one pan.
• Flavorful and Savory: A delightful mix of soy sauces and sesame oil creates a rich umami flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; you can easily add proteins or veggies.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with cabbage and celery for added nutrients while keeping it light.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. This will help streamline the process and ensure you have everything on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Colander
• Small mixing bowl
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: Essential for evenly cooking the noodles and vegetables without overcrowding.
• Colander: Helps strain the noodles quickly after blanching without making a mess.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients before adding them to the stir fry.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For this delicious Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, gather the following ingredients:

Noodles

• 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)

Vegetables

• 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 small onion (sliced)

Oils and Sauces

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Broth and Thickener

• 1/4 cup chicken stock (low-sodium, or cold water)
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)

How to Make Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the noodle sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to boil on medium-high heat. Blanch chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds or until they loosen up.

Step 3: Strain the Noodles

Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse them off with water; this helps keep them flavorful.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, cabbage, and celery. Fry until softened, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. In the empty space, add remaining oil along with the strained noodles and prepared sauce.

Step 6: Toss Together

Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy your homemade Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein!

How to Serve Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Serving your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to accompany this quick dish.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the savory noodles and adds extra protein.
• Beef Stir-Fry: Tender beef stir-fried with vegetables pairs well, creating a hearty meal.
• Tofu: Crispy tofu cubes offer a plant-based option that absorbs flavors beautifully.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, enhancing the dish.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a crunchy contrast and balances the meal.

Garnish for Flavor

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, oniony kick.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and nutty flavor to your chow mein.

How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Achieving the perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is simple with these tips.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles yield better texture and taste compared to dry ones.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying in batches prevents steaming, keeping your noodles perfectly chewy.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak soy sauce or oyster sauce amounts according to your flavor preference.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots boosts nutrition and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your chow mein right after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Complement your chow mein with these delicious side dishes for a complete meal experience.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a classic side that’s easy to share.
2. Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice with peas and carrots pairs wonderfully with chow mein for a satisfying combo.
3. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup offers warmth and richness, perfect alongside noodles.
4. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings add an extra layer of flavor and fun.
5. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and brightness.
6. Miso Soup: Light miso soup serves as a comforting starter that complements the main dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Bold sauce preparation: Forgetting to mix the sauce ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Always combine the sauces in a bowl before cooking.

• Bold overcooking noodles: Overcooking chow mein noodles will make them mushy. Blanch them for only 20-30 seconds until they are just loosened.

• Bold neglecting vegetables: Skipping or undercooking vegetables can result in a lack of texture and flavor. Make sure to sauté the cabbage, celery, and onions until tender, about one minute.

• Bold wrong oil choice: Using strong-flavored oils can overpower the dish. Stick with vegetable or neutral oils for the best taste.

• Bold skipping cornstarch: Omitting cornstarch can lead to a watery sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and gives it that perfect coating for the noodles.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein:

What type of noodles should I use for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

You should use fresh chow mein noodles as they provide the best texture and flavor for this quick recipe.

Can I make Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein vegetarian?

Yes, you can use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce substitutes to keep it meat-free while still enjoying great taste.

How long does Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this dish lasts up to three days and can be frozen for two months.

Can I add protein to my Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Absolutely! You can add chicken, beef, turkey, or tofu for added protein while keeping it deliciously flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only fast but also incredibly versatile! Customize it by adding proteins or swapping out vegetables based on your preference. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy takeout at home without sacrificing flavor or quality!