Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, then you’ve come to the right place! This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a go-to recipe in my kitchen. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about bringing everyone together around the table after a busy day. With chewy chow mein noodles and crisp veggies, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s way healthier than takeout! Trust me, once you whip this up, it will become a cherished favorite in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those hectic evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: Even the kids will love this savory dish packed with colorful veggies.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this delicious meal at home instead of ordering takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make our delightful chow mein!

For the Noodles and Veggies

• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you like or have available.

• Add Protein: Toss in some tofu, shrimp, or chicken for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Noodle Swap: Try using rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a fun twist!

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 first ensures that every noodle gets coated beautifully when you stir-fry later.

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to boil on medium-high heat. Blanch the chow mein noodles for about 20-30 seconds until they are loosened but still firm. Straining them afterward helps maintain that perfect chewy texture we all love!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the onions, cabbage, and celery until they soften—about 1 minute does the trick! This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tasty base for our chow mein.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan to create space. Add another tablespoon of oil to that empty spot and toss in the noodles along with your prepared sauce. This method allows everything to blend together beautifully without sticking.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Give everything a good toss until the noodles are thoroughly coated in that savory sauce. Once everything looks deliciously combined, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy every flavorful bite of your homemade Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein!

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

Creating a delicious chow mein at home is easier than you might think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles will give you that perfect chewy texture, which is key to mimicking the authentic taste of takeout. Dried noodles can work, but they won’t have the same delightful bite.

• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead: Having all your vegetables sliced and sauces ready to go will make the cooking process seamless and efficient. This ensures everything cooks evenly and stays fresh and colorful.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To achieve that lovely stir-fry effect, make sure not to overcrowd your pan. If necessary, cook in batches so that each ingredient gets a chance to sear properly without steaming.

• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your taste preferences! If you like it saltier or sweeter, adjust the soy sauce or add a touch of sugar for balance.

• Add Protein for Extra Heartiness: While this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, feel free to toss in some cooked chicken or tofu for added protein. Just be sure to heat it through before serving!

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

Serving up this delicious chow mein can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to present your dish that will impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds color and a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the noodles.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of chili flakes can elevate your chow mein with an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with mixed veggies offer a wonderful crunch that pairs perfectly with chow mein.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients while balancing out the rich flavors of the chow mein.
• Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad brings a tangy contrast that cuts through the savory elements of the dish.
• Edamame: These protein-packed pods are not only healthy but also make for an engaging finger food alongside your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an easy and satisfying homemade version of Panda Express Chow Mein! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect for meal prepping! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you both time and money.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the chow mein cool fully.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerator leftovers, microwave on medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• For frozen chow mein, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or microwave directly from frozen, adding a little water to steam it while heating.
• Stir well before serving to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What ingredients are used in Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

This recipe includes fresh chow mein noodles, cabbage, celery, onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce), garlic, and sesame oil. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that comes together quickly!

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

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas! You can also toss in some protein like tofu or shrimp for extra heartiness.

Can I use another type of noodle for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

Yes! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with lo mein noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein! It’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make a tasty dish at home that rivals takeout! Happy cooking!