Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Chewy chow mein noodles stir fried in a savory sauce with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions make this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or simply craving a tasty side, this recipe has you covered. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an unbeatable choice for anyone looking to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meal plans.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and savory sauces creates a delicious taste that rivals takeout.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this dish at home instead of ordering out.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks in one pan—making it easy on the eyes and the kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you whip up this dish in no time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Colander
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: This is essential for stir-frying the noodles and vegetables evenly.
• Colander: Use it to strain the noodles after blanching without rinsing off the starch that helps sauces cling.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing your sauce ingredients prior to cooking, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements will enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Ingredients

For this delicious Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Noodles and Vegetables

• 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)
• 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 small onion (sliced)

Sauces and Oils

• 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

Seasonings

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 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 all sauce ingredients listed above. Stir well until fully mixed and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch Noodles

Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to boil over medium-high heat. Blanch chow mein noodles for about 20-30 seconds or until loosened.

Step 3: Strain Noodles

Strain the noodles using a colander and set aside. Do not rinse them with water as it removes essential starch.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in the same large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, cabbage, and celery. Sauté until softened—about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the pan. Add remaining oil into the empty space along with the strained noodles and sauce mixture.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Toss all ingredients together until noodles are well coated in sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately! Enjoy your homemade Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein!

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

Serving Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides or toppings, perfect for any occasion.

Add Extra Protein

• Chicken or Turkey: Grilled or stir-fried chicken or turkey adds flavor and makes it a complete meal.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, add crispy tofu cubes for extra protein and texture.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.

Serve with Sauces

• Soy Sauce: Offer additional soy sauce on the side for those who prefer a stronger taste.
• Chili Oil: For spice lovers, chili oil brings heat and depth to this chow mein.

Pair with Refreshing Drinks

• Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea complements the savory flavors of the chow mein perfectly.
• Lemonade: The acidity of lemonade balances the richness of the dish.

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

Making the perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein involves some simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles yield a better texture than dried varieties, ensuring that they are chewy and delightful.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables just until softened to maintain their crunch and bright color in your dish.
• Proper Sauce Mixing: Combine sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the noodles for an even distribution of flavors.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat for quick cooking that retains the vibrant colors and textures of all ingredients.
• Garnish Smartly: Add garnishes at the end just before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.

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

Pairing your chow mein with complementary side dishes can create a fantastic meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles and can be filled with vegetables or shrimp.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious element while balancing flavors beautifully.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds enhances your meal’s freshness.
4. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup offers comforting flavors that pair well with chow mein.
5. Fried Rice: Another classic, fried rice complements chow mein perfectly and can include various proteins or veggies based on preference.
6. Sesame Chicken Skewers: Skewered chicken marinated in sesame sauce serves as an excellent protein addition that is easy to share.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to subpar results.

• Using the wrong noodles – Make sure to use fresh chow mein noodles for the best texture. Dried noodles will not yield the same chewy consistency.
• Overcooking vegetables – Stir-fry the vegetables quickly to retain their crunch. Overcooked veggies can become mushy and lose flavor.
• Skipping the sauce preparation – Combine all sauce ingredients in advance. This ensures a well-mixed flavor that coats the noodles evenly.
• Not blanching the noodles – Blanching helps loosen the noodles, making them easier to stir-fry. Skipping this step can result in clumps of noodles.
• Using too much oil – Use only the recommended amount of oil for frying. Excess oil can make your dish greasy instead of flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein.

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

You can simply replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce. All other ingredients remain unchanged and delicious!

Can I use different vegetables in this chow mein recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Is it possible to make Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your chow mein noodles are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your favorite vegetables or dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade dish that rivals takeout!