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 addition to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a homemade version of your favorite takeout without the hassle. With simple ingredients and just one pan, you’ll save both time and money while indulging in bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in one pan.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adapt the veggies or sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Beat takeout prices and enjoy a delicious meal at home.
- Delicious Flavor: A savory sauce combines perfectly with the chewy noodles for an irresistible taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan
- Colander
- Small bowl
- Cooking spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: Provides enough space for frying vegetables and tossing noodles without overcrowding.
- Colander: Ideal for draining blanched noodles efficiently.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients without spilling.
- Cooking spoon or spatula: Ensures even mixing of all components, keeping everything well combined.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 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)
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.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tbsp or 15 ml 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
Toss everything together until noodles are coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can create delicious Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein that rivals your favorite takeout!
How to Serve Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Serving your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can elevate your meal experience. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with complementary dishes, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining.
Enjoy it as a Main Dish
- You can serve this chow mein hot as a satisfying main course, packed with flavor and nutrients.
Pair with Protein
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top of the chow mein for extra protein and flavor.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your chow mein with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh burst of color and taste.
Serve with Soy Sauce
- Offer soy sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra salty kick to their dish.
Add Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chow mein before serving for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Create a Buffet Style Meal
- Make it part of a buffet with other Asian dishes like spring rolls and dumplings for a fun family meal.
How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Achieving the perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better dish!
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Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles will give you the best texture and flavor compared to dried varieties.
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Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Stir-fry vegetables just until tender to maintain their crunch and nutrients.
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Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and oyster sauce ratios based on your taste preference.
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Stir Constantly: Keep stirring while cooking to ensure that the noodles don’t stick together and are evenly coated in sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Complementing your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
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Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat add crunch and flavor.
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Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing, these rolls provide a perfect contrast to the savory chow mein.
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Fried Rice: A classic Asian side dish that pairs wonderfully, adding more variety to your meal.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken: This deliciously tangy dish balances perfectly with the flavors of chow mein.
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Hot and Sour Soup: A warm soup that complements the stir-fried noodles nicely, enhancing your overall dining experience.
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Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
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Chinese Pickled Vegetables: These add a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles.
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Sesame Chicken: Sweet sesame chicken provides an excellent flavor pairing that pairs well with chow mein’s savory notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong noodles: Make sure to use fresh chow mein noodles. Dried noodles won’t have the same texture and may not cook evenly.
- Not blanching the noodles properly: Blanching is crucial for loosening the noodles. If you skip this step, they may clump together during frying.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Aim for crisp-tender veggies. Overcooked cabbage and celery can turn mushy and lose their vibrant color.
- Ignoring the sauce proportions: The right balance of sauces is key to achieving that signature flavor. Measure carefully to ensure a perfect blend.
- Skipping garlic: Garlic adds depth to the dish. Don’t omit it, as it enhances the overall taste significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chow mein in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking; stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
How To Make Panda Express Chow Mein without soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos or tamari as alternatives. These substitutes will provide a similar umami flavor without soy.
Can I customize Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Absolutely! Feel free to add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu and mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
What is the best way to store leftovers of Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days.
Is Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish stores well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not just quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and veggies, tailoring it to your taste preferences. This dish offers all the delightful flavors of takeout while saving you money and time in your kitchen. Give it a try today!
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a quick and delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up chewy chow mein noodles stir-fried in a savory sauce with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions. This one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, providing a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. With its customizable ingredients and bold flavors, it’s an easy way to satisfy your cravings while keeping cleanup minimal.
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 alternative)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock (or cold water)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pan and blanch the chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Drain in a colander without rinsing.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in the same pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, cabbage, and celery for about one minute until softened.
- Push vegetables to the side of the pan, add remaining oil, then add noodles along with the prepared sauce.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in sauce. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
