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 addition to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish delivers the authentic taste of takeout in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup required, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and savory sauces creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish or add protein like chicken or beef for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip pricey takeout and enjoy homemade chow mein that saves you money.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of washing multiple dishes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather the essential tools for making your chow mein. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan
- Colander
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: Ideal for stir-frying, providing enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly.
- Colander: Perfect for draining cooked noodles without rinsing away flavor.
- Small bowl: Useful for mixing sauces together before adding them to your dish.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
For the Sauce
- 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)
- 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 loosened.
Step 3: Drain the Noodles
Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water to keep their flavor intact.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon or 15 ml of vegetable oil in a large pan. Fry onions, cabbage, and celery until softened, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil into the empty space, followed by noodles and sauce.
Step 6: Toss Together
Toss everything together until all noodles are coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy your delicious homemade chow mein!
How to Serve Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Serving your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Garnishes
- Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and nuttiness.
As a Main Dish
- Protein Addition: Toss in cooked chicken, beef, or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Vegetable Medley: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
As a Side Dish
- Accompanying Dishes: Serve alongside spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Rice Options: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a filling combination.
In Bento Boxes
- Lunch Prep: Pack chow mein in bento boxes with sections of fruit or edamame for a balanced lunch.
How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Perfecting your chow mein is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Bold Flavors: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while keeping rich flavors intact.
- Fresh Noodles: Opt for fresh chow mein noodles instead of dried ones for the best texture.
- Quick Cooking: Stir-fry quickly on high heat to achieve that authentic restaurant-style sear.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for variety.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra and store in the fridge; reheats well for quick meals later.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
A well-rounded meal is all about balance, and these side dishes pair beautifully with your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with fresh veggies; serve them hot with dipping sauce.
- Edamame Beans: Lightly salted and nutritious, these make an excellent appetizer or snack.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy adds a nice crunch and complements the noodles perfectly.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad drizzled with sesame dressing offers a cool contrast to the warm noodles.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice packed with vegetables provides an extra element of taste and texture.
- Miso Soup: Warm miso soup served on the side enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A tangy dip that can be enjoyed alongside chow mein, adding another layer of flavor.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic make a quick yet tasty side dish bursting with flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, avoiding common mistakes can lead to a more satisfying dish.
- Skipping the noodle prep: Not blanching the noodles can result in clumpy chow mein. Make sure to blanch them briefly for the right texture.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them soggy. Sauté just until they are softened but still crunchy.
- Ignoring the sauce balance: Using too much or too little sauce can alter the flavor. Measure carefully to keep the perfect taste.
- Not tossing well: Failing to mix the ingredients thoroughly can leave some noodles uncovered by sauce. Toss everything well to ensure even coating.
- Using cold leftovers: Serving chow mein straight from the fridge may affect its flavor and texture. Reheat properly for the best experience.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
- Label with date for easy identification later.
Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat with a splash of water or broth until heated thoroughly, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein recipe quick?
This recipe is designed to be quick by using fresh chow mein noodles and simple ingredients that cook rapidly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in just 15 minutes.
Can I customize my Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or swap out sauces based on your taste preferences.
How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Simply replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce and ensure all other sauces are plant-based.
What can I serve with Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
This dish pairs well with stir-fried chicken, beef, or a side of crispy tofu for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a delightful and versatile recipe that brings takeout flavors home without breaking the bank. With its quick preparation time and customizable nature, it’s perfect as a side dish or main course. Give it a try and feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is your go-to dish for a quick, delicious meal that captures the authentic taste of takeout in just minutes. This flavorful stir-fry features chewy chow mein noodles tossed with crunchy vegetables like cabbage, celery, and onions, all coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and delivers big on flavor. Customize it with your choice of protein such as chicken or beef, or keep it vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based alternatives. You’ll find that this delightful dish quickly becomes a weeknight favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 small sliced onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetarian stir fry sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (low-sodium, or cold water)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: vegetable oil, soy sauces, stir fry sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pan and blanch the chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain them in a colander without rinsing.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute until softened.
- Push vegetables to one side of the pan; add remaining oil along with noodles and sauce into the empty space.
- Toss everything together until noodles are evenly coated in sauce. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg