Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen, you’ll love this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein! This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a lifesaver on busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore. With tender chow mein noodles and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for family gatherings or simply a cozy dinner at home.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand. So, let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Family Favorite: Packed with veggies and flavor, everyone will love this comforting meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making takeout-style food at home with simple ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is a breeze thanks to these simple and wholesome ingredients! Gather these essentials, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious dish that beats takeout any day.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Load Up on Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Make It Saucy: Increase the amount of sauce by doubling the ingredients if you prefer a saucier noodle dish.

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 and set them aside. This step is crucial because having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure that the flavors meld perfectly once combined.

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 20-30 seconds until they are loosened but still firm. Straining them without rinsing helps maintain their texture and allows them to soak up the delicious sauce later.

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, sautéing until softened—about 1 minute. This step enhances their flavors and creates a wonderful aromatic base for your dish.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil into the empty space before adding in the noodles along with your prepped sauce. Toss everything together until every noodle is coated in that savory goodness. This ensures every bite will be flavorful!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from heat and serve immediately! The combination of chewy noodles and crunchy veggies makes each bite satisfying. Enjoy this delightful Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with friends or family—it’s sure to become a favorite!

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

Making this chow mein at home can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips!

• Use fresh noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles provide the best texture and flavor. They cook quickly and will give your dish that authentic taste reminiscent of your favorite takeout.

• Prep all ingredients beforehand: Having your vegetables sliced and sauces mixed before you start cooking saves time and ensures a smooth cooking process.

• Don’t overcook the veggies: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they are tender-crisp. This keeps their vibrant color and crunch, adding both taste and nutrition to your dish.

• Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or other seasonings in the sauce mixture according to your preference. Adding a bit more garlic or sesame oil can enhance the flavor profile!

• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan. The noodles can become sticky if left to sit, so dive in while it’s hot!

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

Presentation can elevate your chow mein from simple to sensational! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch, enhancing both the look and taste of your chow mein.
• Sliced red chili: For those who enjoy a kick, adding thin slices of red chili can provide just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Vegetable spring rolls: These crispy delights filled with fresh veggies offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with chow mein, making for an enjoyable textural contrast.
• Steamed dumplings: Light and fluffy dumplings filled with vegetables or tofu make for a heartwarming addition that balances out the meal.
• Egg drop soup: A light, savory soup that’s easy to prepare, egg drop soup adds warmth and complements the flavors of chow mein wonderfully.
• Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce: This nutrient-packed side adds a lovely green element to your plate while delivering a burst of garlicky goodness that ties in beautifully with the main dish.

Enjoy crafting your own restaurant-quality chow mein at home! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chow mein to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the dish to cool entirely.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to avoid dryness.
• Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about this recipe!

Can I make this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your chow mein with any veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, carrots, or bean sprouts.

What type of sauce is used in Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

This recipe uses a delicious blend of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce), and sesame oil for a rich flavor profile that mimics the classic takeout dish.

How long does it take to prepare Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein?

This dish is incredibly quick! With just 10 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking time, you can have it ready in only 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein as much as I do! It’s not only quick and simple but also packed with flavor and texture that rivals your favorite takeout. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, I’m sure it will bring smiles to your table. Happy cooking!