Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time, then this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to, especially on busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The chewy chow mein noodles stir-fried with crunchy veggies create a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it saves you money compared to takeout!

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills while enjoying the simplicity of the preparation. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and fun textures, everyone will rave about it!
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this tasty side dish at home instead of ordering takeout.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

For the Chow Mein

• 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)

For the Sauce

• 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)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra hearty meal.
• Change Up the Veggies: Feel free to mix in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrients!
• Make it Spicy: Add some chili flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat in your dishes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles for a gluten-free version.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients as listed above. Mixing them ahead of time ensures that every noodle will be perfectly coated later on. It’s important not to skip this step because it builds the foundation of flavor for your chow mein.

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to boil over medium-high heat. Blanch your chow mein noodles for about 20-30 seconds until they are loosened but not fully cooked. This step helps soften the noodles without overcooking them; we want them chewy!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Strain the noodles using a colander and set them aside—don’t rinse! In the same large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions, cabbage, and celery; sauté them until softened—about 1 minute. This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely base for your dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Add another tablespoon of oil into the empty space and then toss in your blanched noodles along with the prepared sauce. This method allows everything to blend together perfectly without overcrowding any ingredients.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Finally, gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in sauce and heated through. Remove from heat and enjoy! This final step makes sure every bite is bursting with flavor.

And there you have it! An easy-to-make dish that beats takeout any day of the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Pro Tips for Making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

Ready to whip up this delicious chow mein? Here are some helpful tips to make your experience even better!

• Use fresh noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles provide the best texture and taste. If you can, choose them over dried noodles for that perfect chewy bite.
• Prep your ingredients ahead: Having all your vegetables sliced and sauces mixed before you start cooking will make the process smooth and quick, allowing you to stick to that 15-minute promise!
• Adjust the sauce to taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or oyster sauce amounts based on your preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor profile just right for you.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in a single layer helps everything fry evenly. If you find it too crowded, consider stirring in batches to avoid steaming the vegetables.
• Add protein if desired: For an extra heartiness, toss in some cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp during the stir-fry stage—just be sure they’re thoroughly heated through.

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

Presentation can elevate any dish, and your homemade chow mein is no exception! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Sesame seeds: A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch and an appealing visual element that enhances your dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and brightens up the flavors beautifully—just a few leaves will do!

Side Dishes

• Vegetable spring rolls: These crispy delights are filled with fresh vegetables and make a fantastic crunchy counterpart to your chow mein.
• Egg drop soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup is comforting and easy to prepare. It pairs well with chow mein and adds an extra touch of warmth to your meal.
• Stir-fried bok choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy with garlic brings additional greens into your meal while adding a lovely crunch.
• Fried rice: Pairing chow mein with fried rice creates a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying feast!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a delightful meal that rivals your favorite takeout! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Avoid letting the noodles sit at room temperature for too long to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze, portion the chow mein into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Use a microwave-safe dish or a skillet on low heat to warm it up.
• Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep the noodles moist.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about this delightful dish.

Can I use other vegetables in Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just remember to chop them thinly so they cook quickly.

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

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your chow mein noodles are labeled as gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main course or add protein like tofu or chicken for a satisfying meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein as much as I do! It’s such a simple, yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of takeout right into your kitchen without breaking the bank. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so feel free to experiment with different veggies or sauces. Happy cooking!