Chewy chow mein noodles stir fried in a savory sauce with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions. This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish in one pan using simple ingredients. It’s a fantastic side that beats takeout while saving you money!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry items, so you won’t need a special trip to the store.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side dish or even as a main meal with added protein like chicken or tofu.
- Flavorful Sauce: The savory sauce brings all the flavors together, making every bite satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy chow mein, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan
- Colander
- Small bowl
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: Ensures even cooking and ample space for tossing the noodles and vegetables.
- Colander: Perfect for draining the blanched noodles quickly without losing their texture.
- Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.
- Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps to effectively toss everything together without breaking the noodles.
Ingredients
For Chow Mein
- 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 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)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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 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: Strain Noodles
Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon 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 the side of the pan. Add remaining oil into empty space and add noodles along with the prepared sauce.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Toss everything together until noodles are well coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can enjoy it in various ways that complement its savory flavors.
As a Main Dish
- Serve it alone for a filling meal that satisfies your cravings for Chinese takeout without the expense.
With Protein
- Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein, making your meal more balanced and hearty.
Family Style
- Present it in a large bowl at the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves. This creates a communal dining experience.
With Extra Vegetables
- Top with additional sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Side of Egg Rolls
- Serve with crispy egg rolls on the side for a classic Chinese takeout experience that enhances the meal.
How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
To make your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein even better, consider these expert tips:
- Use fresh noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles give the best texture and flavor compared to dried ones.
- Adjust sauce levels: Feel free to tweak the sauces according to your taste preferences; add more soy sauce for saltiness or oyster sauce for richness.
- Add proteins: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during cooking for a complete meal.
- Customize veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts to add color and nutrition.
- Keep it hot: Serve immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture; reheating can make noodles gummy.
- Garnish wisely: Use sliced green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein pairs well with several delightful side dishes that can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with fresh vegetables, spring rolls make a crunchy accompaniment.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A warm bowl of this soup offers a tangy contrast that complements chow mein perfectly.
- Fried Rice: Serve alongside fried rice for an extra filling meal bursting with flavors.
- Steamed Dumplings: These tender morsels add variety and are perfect for dipping in soy sauce.
- Chinese Pickled Vegetables: The tangy flavor of pickled veggies serves as a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Sesame Chicken: Sweet and savory sesame chicken pairs beautifully, creating a satisfying meal ensemble.
- Wontons in Chili Oil: Spicy wontons can add an exciting kick alongside your chow mein dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides crunch and freshness, balancing out the meal’s richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls that can affect the overall taste and texture.
- Using the wrong noodles: Not all noodles are created equal. Use fresh chow mein noodles for the best results. Dried noodles will alter the texture and cooking time.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can result in a mushy texture. Stir-fry them just until they are softened but still crisp for the best crunch.
- Skipping the sauce preparation: Preparing the sauce ahead of time is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Mix all sauce ingredients before starting your stir-fry.
- Not tossing well: Failing to thoroughly toss the noodles with the sauce may leave some parts bland. Ensure everything is well-coated to maximize flavor.
- Ignoring heat control: Cooking at too low a temperature can cause everything to steam instead of fry, resulting in less flavor. Keep your pan hot for a proper stir-fry effect.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it cools down completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chow mein on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chow mein and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein made of?
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein consists of fresh chow mein noodles, cabbage, celery, onions, and various sauces that create its signature flavor.
Can I customize Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Absolutely! You can add protein like chicken or tofu, or include other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots based on your taste preferences.
How do I make Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein vegetarian?
Simply replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce, and ensure your soy sauce is also vegetarian-friendly for this dish.
Is Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein healthy?
This recipe offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber from vegetables, making it a healthier option compared to traditional takeout dishes when prepared at home.
Final Thoughts
The Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile! With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences easily. Whether as a side dish or a main course by adding protein, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving comfort food without the takeout costs. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy the savory flavors of this Easy Panda Express Chow Mein right at home! Perfectly cooked chow mein noodles are stir-fried with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions, all coated in a rich sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This one-pan dish is not only quick to make but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether served as a side or enhanced with protein like chicken or tofu, this chow mein will satisfy your cravings without the takeout hassle.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 small sliced onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable 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)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch.
- Boil water in a large pan and blanch chow mein noodles for 20–30 seconds. Drain using a colander.
- Heat vegetable oil in the same pan and sauté onions, cabbage, and celery until softened (about 1 minute).
- Push veggies to one side of the pan; add noodles and prepared sauce to the empty space.
- Mix thoroughly until noodles are well-coated in sauce. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For extra texture, use fresh chow mein noodles instead of dried. Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety. Add proteins such as cooked chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.
