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 an irresistible dish! Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this quick recipe helps you enjoy takeout-style flavor at home in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients and one pan, you can save money while delighting your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
• One-Pan Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this easy one-pan recipe that minimizes mess.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh veggies and savory sauces ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• Customizable Dish: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables to personalize your chow mein.
• Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality chow mein without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Colander
• Small bowl
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Essential for frying the vegetables and noodles evenly.
• Colander: Helps drain the blanched noodles efficiently without rinsing off the starch that helps sauce adhere.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 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 all the noodle sauce ingredients listed above and set aside. This will allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

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

Step 3: Drain the Noodles

Strain the noodles in a colander and set them aside. Avoid rinsing them with water as this will wash away the starch that helps bind the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the onions, cabbage, and celery until they soften, which should take about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil into empty space and then add in the noodles along with your prepared sauce.

Step 6: Toss & Serve

Toss everything together gently until all noodles are well-coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy your delicious 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 is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that can elevate your meal.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds a hearty touch and complements the noodles well.
• Shrimp Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked shrimp seasoned with garlic and soy sauce can enhance the overall flavor profile.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a crunchy texture and a pop of color on your plate.
• Sliced Bell Peppers: Adding fresh bell peppers not only adds color but also a sweet crunch that balances the savory noodles.

Garnish for Flavor

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some fresh green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty taste that enhances the dish’s appeal.

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

To ensure your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips that will make your cooking experience smoother.

• Boldly Prep Ingredients: Have all your ingredients sliced and measured before you start cooking to streamline the process.
• Boldly Use Fresh Noodles: Opt for fresh chow mein noodles for the best texture; they cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
• Boldly Control Heat: Maintain medium-high heat when stir-frying to get a nice sear on vegetables without overcooking them.
• Boldly Don’t Rinse Noodles: Avoid rinsing the blanched noodles as this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere better.
• Boldly Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or add chili paste for a spicy kick based on your preference.

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

Complementing your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat provide a perfect crunchy contrast to soft noodles.
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken: This classic dish offers a tangy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with chow mein.
3. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice brings in additional textures and flavors, making it a filling option alongside chow mein.
4. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables add freshness and crunch to your meal.
5. Wonton Soup: A light wonton soup is comforting and serves as an excellent starter before indulging in chow mein.
6. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian twist, this dish provides protein while adding vibrant colors and flavors to your plate.
7. Chinese Pickled Vegetables: These tangy vegetables offer brightness that balances out the savory flavors of chow mein.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is soothing and pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal, including chow mein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish’s taste and texture.

• Skipping the blanching step: Failing to blanch the chow mein noodles can result in a chewy, rubbery texture. Always blanch them for 20-30 seconds to loosen up the noodles properly.

• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the cabbage, celery, and onion for too long can leave them mushy. Stir-fry them just until softened, about 1 minute, for the best crunch.

• Not measuring sauces correctly: Using too much or too little soy sauce and oyster sauce can throw off the flavor balance. Measure carefully using a tablespoon for accuracy.

• Using cold noodles: If you rinse your cooked noodles with cold water, they may stick together. Let them cool naturally in a colander without rinsing.

• Neglecting to toss thoroughly: Failing to mix all ingredients well may lead to uneven flavor distribution. Make sure to toss everything together until all noodles are coated in sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread chow mein on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking; stir until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein recipe?

This recipe is quick because it uses minimal ingredients and cooks everything in one pan within just 15 minutes.

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

Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or include additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots for variety.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! By substituting the oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir fry sauce, you can easily make this dish vegetarian.

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

Use gluten-free chow mein noodles and ensure that all sauces are gluten-free options.

Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated using your preferred method mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding different proteins or vegetables. It’s an excellent way to enjoy takeout flavors at home while saving money!