Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

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 when you crave a quick and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and just one pan, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. It’s a great side that tastes like your favorite takeout while saving you money!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup since everything cooks in one pan.
• Customizable Ingredients: Use your favorite vegetables or protein to make it uniquely yours.
• Delicious Flavor: A savory sauce brings out the best in the fresh ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective alternative to takeout without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan or wok
• Colander
• Small mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan or wok: Essential for frying the vegetables and noodles evenly, allowing for maximum flavor.
• Colander: Helps strain the noodles without rinsing off their natural starch, which helps the sauce adhere better.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients without making a mess.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for tossing everything together gently without damaging the noodles.

Ingredients

Noodles and Vegetables

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

Sauce Ingredients

• 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: Strain the Noodles

Next, strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

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 Everything Together

Lastly, toss everything together until noodles are 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 a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this simple yet flavorful dish.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it on its own for a quick and satisfying meal packed with vegetables and flavor.

With Protein Additions

• Add grilled chicken, beef, or turkey for extra protein. This not only enhances the dish but also makes it more filling.

Pair with Spring Rolls

• Complement the chow mein with crispy vegetable spring rolls for a tasty appetizer. The crunch and flavor contrast beautifully.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish your chow mein with freshly chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Side of Soy Sauce

• Offer additional soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra salty kick to their noodles.

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

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles provide the best texture. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: Sauté just until soft to maintain a crunchy texture that complements the noodles.
• Pre-mix your sauces: Mixing your sauces ahead of time ensures even distribution when added to the noodles.
• Heat your pan properly: Ensure your pan is hot before adding oil and ingredients. This helps achieve a great stir-fry texture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or sesame oil amounts according to your personal preference.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste, serve your chow mein right after cooking while it’s still hot and fresh.

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

Pairing side dishes with Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that adds nutrition and balances out the flavors of chow mein.
2. Vegetable Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with assorted vegetables make a great accompaniment.
3. Fried Rice: A classic choice that complements chow mein well; try adding peas and carrots for color.
4. Sesame Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers dressed in sesame oil offer a refreshing crunch.
5. Stir-Fried Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans bring an extra crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
6. Edamame: These protein-packed soybean pods are a nutritious snack that pairs nicely with any Chinese meal.
7. Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can add comfort and warmth alongside your chow mein dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Noodle Prep: Not blanching the noodles can lead to clumpy chow mein. Always briefly boil them before stir-frying to ensure they separate easily.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking veggies too long makes them mushy. Stir-fry them just until they’re tender but still crisp for better texture.
• Ignoring the Sauce Measurements: Using too much or too little sauce can ruin the flavor balance. Measure carefully for a well-seasoned dish.
• Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Trying to chop and cook simultaneously wastes time. Prepare all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.
• Forgetting to Toss Thoroughly: If you don’t mix everything well, some noodles may end up without sauce. Toss continuously to ensure even coating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Portion into individual servings for easy defrosting.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about preparing this dish, we’ve got you covered!

What is Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a quick stir-fried noodle dish featuring chow mein noodles, veggies, and a savory sauce made in just 15 minutes.

Can I customize my Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken or tofu and swap in different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots according to your taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetarian oyster sauce or a plant-based stir-fry sauce while following the same instructions.

How do I ensure my noodles don’t get soggy?

Blanching the noodles briefly and not rinsing them helps retain their chewy texture during cooking.

Final Thoughts

The Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also versatile, making it a perfect side dish or main course. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables for endless variations that suit your taste!