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 delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is perfect. Enjoy the fantastic flavors while saving money compared to takeout. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This chow mein can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by making your favorite takeout dish at home without compromising on taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables that you have on hand for a customized flavor that suits your palate.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this easy one-pan recipe—cook everything in a single skillet!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sauces and fresh ingredients delivers authentic Chinese flavors that rival any restaurant.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Ensure you have everything ready before you start cooking.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan or skillet
- Colander
- Small bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan or skillet: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients evenly and providing enough space for all the veggies and noodles.
- Colander: Helps strain the noodles quickly without losing any in the process.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients together before adding them to the pan.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious chow mein:
Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
Sauces and Oils
- 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
Aromatics and Liquid
- 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 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: Drain Noodles
Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon 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 the side of the pan.
Add remaining oil into empty space and then add noodles along with prepared sauce.
Step 6: Toss Together
Toss everything together until noodles are well-coated in sauce. Remove from heat and enjoy your homemade 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 be as delightful as preparing it. This dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal.
Pair with Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy and tender chicken complements the chewy noodles.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu adds texture and protein.
- Shrimp Tempura: Lightly battered shrimp provide a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
Add Freshness
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the savory chow mein.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only looks good but also adds nutrients.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles can elevate your chow mein experience.
Garnish for Flavor
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling green onions on top adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds give an extra crunch and nutty taste.
How to Perfect Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Perfecting your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips for achieving that restaurant-quality taste at home.
- Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles absorb sauces better than dried ones.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the vegetables instead of stir-frying them.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak soy sauce or oyster sauce for personal preference on saltiness.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporating bell peppers or snap peas can add color and nutrients to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
Complementing your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables make a great finger food.
- Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of soup is comforting and pairs nicely with chow mein.
- Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice adds another layer of flavor to your meal.
- Wonton Soup: Light broth with wontons provides a delicious, warming side.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A tangy salad adds freshness that balances out the savory noodles.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are always a hit as a side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can lead to a bland taste. Always opt for fresh cabbage, celery, and onions for the best results.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking chow mein noodles too long makes them mushy. Blanch them for just 20-30 seconds until loosened, then strain immediately.
- Not measuring sauces: Adding too much or too little sauce can alter the dish’s flavor balance. Measure your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken stock carefully.
- Neglecting high heat: Stir-frying on low heat prevents proper browning and flavor development. Use medium-high heat to achieve that delicious stir-fried taste.
- Forgetting seasoning: Skipping garlic or sesame oil can result in a lackluster dish. Don’t forget these key ingredients that add depth to your chow mein.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best if consumed within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein:
What is Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a quick side dish made from stir-fried chow mein noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces ready in just 15 minutes.
Can I customize my Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?
Yes! You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu and other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots according to your preference.
How do I make my Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce and ensure you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I use dry chow mein noodles instead?
While fresh chow mein noodles are recommended for texture, you can use dry ones—just follow the package instructions for cooking before adding them to the stir fry.
Final Thoughts
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also incredibly versatile! This dish offers endless customization options—from adding proteins to varying the veggies based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without breaking the bank!
Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the joy of homemade Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein—an effortless stir-fry that combines chewy chow mein noodles with a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy authentic Chinese flavors right at home while saving money compared to takeout. Ready in only 15 minutes, it’s a delicious solution for your next meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 small sliced onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Boil water in a large pan and blanch chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds; drain in a colander.
- Heat vegetable oil in the same pan; sauté onions, cabbage, and celery for about 1 minute until softened.
- Push veggies aside, add remaining oil, noodles, and prepared sauce; toss until well-coated.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
