Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Chewy chow mein noodles stir fried in a savory sauce with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions are the stars of this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this dish brings the authentic taste of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With just one pan and simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish that saves both time and money while satisfying your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for any meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality chow mein without breaking the bank or waiting for delivery.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or add protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauces to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pan.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and allowing enough space for tossing.
- Colander: Used to strain the noodles without rinsing them, which helps maintain their texture.
Ingredients
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.
Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside without rinsing them.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Fry onions, cabbage, and celery until softened, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Push the veggies to one side of the pan.
Add the remaining oil into the empty space.
Add noodles and sauce to the pan.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Toss everything together until 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 your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can elevate the meal experience and impress your family or guests. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement this flavorful dish.
Pair with Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Tender grilled chicken adds a protein boost and pairs nicely with the savory flavors of chow mein.
- Shrimp Stir-fry: Quick-cooked shrimp with garlic and vegetables can enhance the overall taste and provide a seafood twist.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Cilantro Garnish: A touch of cilantro can add freshness and a hint of earthiness to each bite.
Include Extra Sauce
- Soy Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of soy sauce can bring an extra layer of umami to your chow mein.
- Chili Oil: For those who enjoy heat, a few drops of chili oil can spice things up.
Serve with Crunchy Elements
- Fried Garlic Chips: Adding crispy garlic chips can create a delightful crunch and enhance flavors.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These seeds add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with noodles.
How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
To achieve the best results with your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles yield better texture compared to dried ones, giving you that authentic taste.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables just until tender for a nice crunch in every bite.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients sliced and ready before starting to cook; this saves time during stir-frying.
- Adjust Sauce Quantities: Feel free to modify the sauce ingredients based on your taste preference; more soy sauce for saltiness or oyster sauce for richness works great.
- High Heat Cooking: Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that perfect stir-fried texture.
- Toss Quickly: Once everything is in the pan, toss quickly to coat evenly without steaming the noodles.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Pairing side dishes with your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a tasty crunch alongside chow mein.
- Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, these rolls are perfect for complementing the rich flavors of chow mein.
- Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry: A simple stir-fry of Chinese broccoli adds nutrition and vibrant color to your table.
- Wonton Soup: A warm bowl of wonton soup offers comfort and balances the meal nicely.
- Fried Rice: Classic fried rice makes an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the Asian theme of your dinner.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with pork or vegetables give an additional layer of flavor that’s sure to please.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil adds brightness to counterbalance the savory chow mein.
- Hot & Sour Soup: This flavorful soup provides contrast with its spicy-tangy profile, making it an exciting pairing choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure a better dish.
- Skipping the Noodle Prep: Not blanching the chow mein noodles can lead to a clumpy texture. Always blanch them briefly before adding to your stir fry.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Filling the pan too much can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect stir-fry.
- Ignoring Sauce Ratios: Using too much or too little sauce can overwhelm or under-season your dish. Measure carefully to get the right balance of flavors.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold vegetables can lower the pan‘s temperature, affecting cooking time. Ensure your veggies are at room temperature for even cooking.
- Neglecting Freshness: Using stale or expired ingredients can ruin the dish’s freshness. Check your ingredients before you start cooking.
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
- Place in freezer-safe containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions answered.
How To Make Panda Express Chow Mein?
To make Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, gather fresh ingredients and follow the steps outlined in the recipe for a delicious outcome.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, carrots, or bean sprouts based on your preferences.
What Types of Noodles Should I Use?
For the best results, use fresh chow mein noodles as they provide that chewy texture essential for this recipe.
Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Absolutely! Substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir fry sauce to make it fully vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also versatile. You can easily adjust flavors and vegetables according to your taste. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that beats takeout!
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of restaurant-style chow mein at home with this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein recipe. This quick and budget-friendly dish features chewy chow mein noodles stir-fried in a savory sauce alongside crispy cabbage, celery, and onions. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, it’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Customize it by adding your favorite protein or vegetables to suit your taste. Whip up this comforting meal that brings the authentic taste of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Boil water in a large pan. Blanch chow mein noodles for 20–30 seconds, then strain without rinsing.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté onions, cabbage, and celery until softened (about 1 minute).
- Push veggies aside, add remaining oil, noodles, and prepared sauce to the pan.
- Toss until noodles are coated in the sauce. Remove from heat and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
