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 must-try! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick side dish for gatherings, this recipe is all about convenience and flavor. With just one pan and simple ingredients, you can enjoy the deliciousness of takeout without the hassle or expense.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic nights when you need to whip up something fast.
  • Flavorful: A savory sauce combined with fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that rivals your favorite takeout.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
  • Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this dish at home instead of ordering from a restaurant.
  • Healthier Option: Control the ingredients and portion sizes to suit your dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Colander
  • Small bowl
  • Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large pan: Provides ample space for stir-frying, ensuring even cooking of the noodles and vegetables.
  • Colander: Essential for draining the blanched noodles quickly without losing texture.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients ahead of time for easy incorporation.
  • Stirring spoon: Helps to combine all ingredients thoroughly for an even coating of sauce.
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Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein:

Noodles

  • 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup celery (sliced)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)

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 the noodle sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch 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 Noodles

Next, strain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
* Do not rinse off with water; this helps maintain their texture.

Step 4: Sauté 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 Ingredients

Push the veggies to the side of the pan.
* Add remaining oil into empty space and introduce noodles and sauce.

Step 6: Toss Together

Lastly, toss everything together until noodles are coated in sauce.
* Remove from heat and enjoy your homemade chow mein!

With its quick preparation time and delightful flavors, your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is sure to become a go-to dish!

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

Serving Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a breeze, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Protein

  • Grilled Chicken: The juicy flavors of grilled chicken complement the savory chow mein perfectly.
  • Stir-Fried Beef: Tender pieces of beef stir-fried with vegetables can create a satisfying main dish alongside chow mein.

Add Fresh Veggies

  • Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a crisp contrast to the warm noodles.
  • Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only looks appealing but also boosts nutrition.

Create a Platter

  • Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls as an appetizer for an authentic Asian dining experience.
  • Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings make excellent finger food to enjoy before or alongside the chow mein.

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

Perfecting your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein requires just a few simple tips that will elevate your dish.

  • Bold Flavor Profile: Make sure to balance your sauces; consider adding more soy sauce or sesame oil for depth.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor in your chow mein.
  • Proper Noodle Cooking: Don’t overcook the chow mein noodles while blanching; they should be just loosened to retain their chewiness.
  • High Heat Stir-Fry: Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients for that perfect stir-fry char and flavor.

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

A variety of side dishes can complement your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein beautifully. Here are some delightful options:

  1. Vegetable Fried Rice: A flavorful rice dish packed with mixed vegetables, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
  2. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Tender chicken in a tangy sweet and sour sauce brings a delightful contrast to the chow mein.
  3. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic add crunch and flavor without overpowering the meal.
  4. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup made with eggs and broth can be an excellent starter before enjoying the main dish.
  5. Sesame Cucumber Salad: This cool salad dressed in sesame oil provides a refreshing taste that pairs nicely.
  6. Spicy Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods tossed in chili flakes offer a spicy kick that’s fun to nibble on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Skipping the sauce preparation: Ensure you mix all sauce ingredients before starting the stir fry to enhance flavor.
  • Overcooking the noodles: Blanch the chow mein noodles for only 20-30 seconds; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
  • Not using enough oil: Properly coat your pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the vegetables and noodles.
  • Ignoring the order of cooking: Sauté vegetables first, then add the noodles and sauce; this ensures everything cooks evenly.
  • Rinsing noodles after blanching: Do not rinse the noodles as this removes starch that helps sauces cling better.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

    • Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
    • Container: Use glass or plastic containers with secure lids to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

    • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.
    • Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chow mein on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring in between until heated evenly.
  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock or water, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this recipe:

What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?

You can use other types of noodles like spaghetti or linguine if chow mein is unavailable. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and ensure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly.

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

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to enhance texture and flavor.

Is it possible to meal prep this dish?

Yes! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions above for best results.

What is the nutritional value of Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

One serving contains approximately 478 calories, making it a satisfying side dish packed with nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a delightful recipe that combines convenience with deliciousness. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it perfect as a side dish or main course. Give it a try and enjoy a quick meal that beats takeout!

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Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

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Looking for a quick and delicious meal that rivals takeout? Try this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein! Perfectly chewy chow mein noodles are stir-fried with a savory sauce and fresh, crunchy vegetables like cabbage, celery, and onions. This recipe is not only simple to make but also budget-friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With just one pan and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables to create a meal that suits your taste!

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh)
  • 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup celery (sliced)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian stir fry sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: vegetable oil, soy sauces, vegetarian stir fry sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch.
  2. Bring water to boil in a large pan and blanch the chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened.
  3. Strain the noodles in a colander without rinsing.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in the same large pan and sauté onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute until softened.
  5. Push vegetables to the side of the pan; add noodles and sauce into the empty space.
  6. Toss everything together until well-coated in sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 478
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 73g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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