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 treat for any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a quick side dish, this recipe delivers delicious flavors without the need for takeout. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade chow mein ready in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy days.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of sauces creates a mouthwatering taste that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by preparing this dish at home instead of ordering out.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Pan
• Colander
• Small Bowl
• Cooking Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pan: A spacious pan allows for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
• Colander: Straining the noodles effectively prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing sauces before adding them to the pan.
• Cooking Spoon: Helps thoroughly combine all ingredients for an even flavor distribution.

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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 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: Strain the Noodles

Strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Push the veggies to the side of the pan. Add remaining oil into empty space and add noodles along with sauce.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

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

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

This delicious and quick chow mein can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. It pairs well with different dishes and can be presented attractively to impress your family or guests.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve the chow mein in bowls for a cozy, casual meal. The savory flavors make it satisfying enough on its own.

With Protein Additions

• Add cooked chicken, beef, or turkey on top for extra protein. This transforms the dish into a heartier main course.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch. These herbs add brightness and enhance the overall flavor.

Accompanied by Additional Sauces

• Offer soy sauce or chili garlic sauce on the side. This allows guests to customize their spice levels and flavor intensity.

Paired with Spring Rolls

• Serve with vegetable spring rolls as an appetizer. The crispiness of the rolls complements the chewy texture of the chow mein.

Enjoyed with a Side Salad

• A light cucumber or mixed greens salad can balance out the richness of the dish. Dress it simply with vinegar and oil for freshness.

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

To achieve the best results when making this chow mein, follow these handy tips that ensure perfect texture and flavor.

• Use fresh noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles have a better texture than dried ones, resulting in a more authentic taste.

• Don’t overcook vegetables: Sauté vegetables just until they are softened to retain their crunchiness and vibrant color.

• Mix sauce thoroughly: Ensure the sauce ingredients are well combined before adding to the noodles for even distribution of flavor.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak soy sauce or oyster sauce amounts based on your preference for saltiness.

• Keep heat high: Stir-frying on high heat helps achieve that desirable smoky flavor known as ‘wok hei’.

• Serve immediately: Chow mein is best enjoyed hot and fresh straight from the pan for optimal taste and texture.

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

Complement your chow mein with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal without overshadowing its flavors.

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of seasonal vegetables sautéed in garlic adds color and nutrition.
2. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup offers warmth and comfort, making it a classic pairing with chow mein.
3. Steamed Dumplings: Filled with veggies or meat, they provide a satisfying bite alongside your noodles.
4. Crispy Tofu Bites: Seasoned tofu cubes fried until golden create a crunchy contrast that’s deliciously filling.
5. Sweet and Sour Chicken: A tangy option that balances well with the savory flavors of chow mein.
6. Fried Rice: Simple vegetable fried rice complements chow mein perfectly, making it feel like a feast.
7. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad adds crunch and balances out richer dishes beautifully.
8. Spring Onion Pancakes: These crispy pancakes offer layers of flavor that pair wonderfully with chow mein’s umami notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong noodles: Not all noodles are created equal. Ensure you use fresh chow mein noodles for the best texture.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can lead to mushy textures. Stir-fry them just until they are softened.
• Not mixing the sauce well: If the sauce ingredients are not combined thoroughly, you’ll end up with uneven flavor. Whisk them together in a bowl before adding to the pan.
• Skipping the blanching step: Blanching the noodles is crucial to loosen them up. Don’t skip this step or your chow mein may clump together.
• Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements matter in cooking. Use a measuring spoon for sauces and oils to maintain balance in flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, add chow mein, and stir until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You can add proteins like chicken or turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrients.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your chow mein noodles are gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or grilled chicken as a side dish. It’s also great on its own!

How do I know when my chow mein is done?

The chow mein is ready when the noodles are coated evenly with sauce and everything is heated through, which should take just a few minutes of stir-frying.

Final Thoughts

Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not just quick; it’s versatile too! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it perfect for any meal occasion. Give it a try today!