Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will transport you straight to your favorite takeout spot, then this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is just what you need! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh veggies, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your loved ones or just whipping up something special for yourself, this chow mein is sure to impress. You won’t believe how easy it is to create this delightful dish right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Family-Friendly: Noodles and veggies come together in a way that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Budget-Savvy: Making it at home saves you money compared to takeout without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal with friends and family.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it truly your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make our chow mein shine! Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at the grocery store.

For the Chow Mein

• 1 lb chow mein noodles (fresh kind)
• 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 small onion (sliced)

For the 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and switch things up based on what you have on hand.

• Add protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a heartier dish.
• Extra veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha if you like some heat in your chow mein.
• Noodle swap: Try using rice noodles or udon instead of chow mein noodles for a different texture.

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 together before cooking ensures they blend perfectly when added to the noodles. This step sets the foundation for that savory flavor we love about chow mein!

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to boil over medium-high heat. Blanch the chow mein noodles for about 20-30 seconds until they loosen up. This quick process helps soften them before we stir-fry. After blanching, strain them in a colander but remember—do not rinse with water; we want to keep that lovely starchy coating!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery and sauté until softened—this should take about a minute. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely base for our dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Push the veggies to one side of the pan. In the empty space, add another tablespoon of oil along with your blanched noodles and prepared sauce. Toss everything together until those wonderful noodles are coated evenly in sauce. This step melds all those flavors perfectly!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is combined well, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein while it’s hot! It’s truly a comforting dish that brings smiles around the table.

Enjoy making this delightful recipe! It’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!

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

Making this chow mein dish can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your noodles turn out perfect every time.

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process. This way, you can focus on stir-frying rather than chopping mid-cooking, keeping everything fresh and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Opt for fresh chow mein noodles if possible. They have a delightful chewiness that dried noodles just can’t replicate, making your dish more authentic and enjoyable.

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they are softened but still crisp. This not only preserves their crunch but also enhances the overall texture of your chow mein.

• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your preference. If you like it saltier, add a touch more soy sauce; for a sweeter note, consider adding a dash of sugar or sweet soy sauce.

• Toss Quickly: Once you add the noodles and sauce, toss them quickly over high heat to ensure even coating without letting anything stick or burn. This step keeps your chow mein light and flavorful!

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

Serving this delectable chow mein is all about presentation and pairing to elevate the experience! Here’s how you can present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some finely chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an appealing crunch and nutty aroma that complements the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy on the outside and packed with fresh vegetables on the inside, these make for a delightful appetizer alongside your chow mein.
• Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a protein-packed side that’s both healthy and satisfying, perfect to nibble on while enjoying your main dish.
• Sweet and Sour Tofu: A tangy blend of flavors with crispy tofu bites makes this side dish an excellent contrast to the savory chow mein.
• Chinese Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad brings a crisp textural element that balances out the richness of the chow mein beautifully.

With these serving tips and garnishes, you’re sure to impress family and friends with both taste and presentation! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chow mein to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely first.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
• Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I use other vegetables in this chow mein?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a colorful twist.

How do I make this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein vegetarian?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using a vegetarian stir fry sauce instead of oyster sauce and keeping it plant-based!

What type of noodles should I use for chow mein?

For best results, use fresh chow mein noodles. If they are unavailable, you can substitute with egg noodles or even rice noodles as an alternative.

Can I make this chow mein gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and ensure your noodles are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein as much as I do! It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding! So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—I can’t wait for you to experience its delightful flavors!