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 excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers delightful flavor and simplicity. You can enjoy restaurant-style chow mein right at home, saving you money while impressing your guests with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making your favorite takeout at home with simple ingredients.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with any protein or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy and oyster sauces creates a rich, savory taste that elevates the dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy chow mein.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan or wok: A spacious surface allows for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
• Colander: Perfect for draining the noodles without rinsing them, which helps maintain their texture.
• Small mixing bowl: Great for combining sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.

Ingredients

To prepare this quick and tasty dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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 all 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; this helps keep them tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in a large pan. Fry onions, cabbage, and celery until softened, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add remaining oil into the empty space, then add noodles and sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Toss everything together until noodles are coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy!

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not just simple to make; it’s also packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as a side or part of a larger meal, here are some great serving suggestions.

As a Side Dish

• Serve this chow mein alongside your favorite Asian-inspired main dishes for a complete meal experience.

With Extra Protein

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top of the chow mein for an added protein boost that complements the flavors.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle chopped green onions on top to enhance the presentation and add a fresh crunch.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and makes the dish visually appealing.

With Chili Oil

• Drizzle chili oil over the chow mein for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Paired with Egg Rolls

• Serve with crispy egg rolls for an authentic Chinese takeout feel right at home.

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

To make your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies enhance flavor and texture, making your dish more enjoyable.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Blanching for just 20-30 seconds ensures they stay chewy and absorb the sauce well.
• Adjust sauces: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and oyster sauce amounts based on your taste preferences.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for additional color and nutrition.
• Stir-fry quickly: Keep the cooking time short to maintain the crispness of vegetables while ensuring everything is heated through.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, enjoy your chow mein right after cooking to savor its freshness.

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

Pairing your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with complementary side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy, deep-fried appetizers filled with vegetables or meat; perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
2. Wonton Soup: A light broth filled with tender wontons; it adds warmth and comfort to your meal.
3. Fried Rice: Flavor-packed rice stir-fried with vegetables and proteins; it’s a classic side that pairs beautifully.
4. Chinese Chicken Salad: A refreshing salad featuring shredded chicken, crunchy noodles, and sesame dressing; it balances the savory flavors of chow mein.
5. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables; steamed for a healthy addition to your plate.
6. Sesame Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli tossed in sesame oil; adds color and nutrition while complementing the noodle dish.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce; these skewers provide a sweet-savory flavor contrast.
8. Spicy Edamame: Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt or chili flakes; they make for an addictive snack alongside your chow mein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.

• Overcooking the Noodles: Blanch the chow mein noodles for only 20-30 seconds. Overcooking makes them mushy and unappetizing.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies enhance flavor and texture. Opt for fresh cabbage, celery, and onions for the best results.
• Skipping the Sauce Preparation: Preparing the sauce in advance ensures it’s well-mixed and flavorsome. Don’t skip this step!
• Using High Heat at All Times: Frying vegetables on too high heat can burn them quickly. Use medium heat to allow even cooking.
• Neglecting to Toss Properly: Make sure you toss the noodles and vegetables thoroughly in the sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Place cooled chow mein in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chow mein on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chow mein in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water, and stir-fry until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein.

What makes this chow mein recipe easy?

This recipe simplifies traditional chow mein by using fresh ingredients and quick cooking techniques, 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 proteins like chicken or tofu and any other vegetables you love for additional flavor and nutrition.

How can I make this chow mein vegetarian?

Simply swap oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir fry sauce or mushroom sauce, keeping it tasty while staying meat-free.

What dishes pair well with Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Experiment by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own! Enjoy this delightful dish as an easy side or main course that satisfies every craving.