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 an appealing dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect. It stands out for its simplicity and speed, allowing you to whip up a delicious dish that beats takeout while saving your budget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sauces creates a savory taste that mimics your favorite takeout.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this chow mein with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making restaurant-quality chow mein at home without the hefty price tag.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything is cooked in one pan.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools and equipment before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Colander
• Small bowl
• Cooking spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly.
• Colander: Helps strain the noodles without losing any essential texture.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to the pan.

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 cloves of garlic (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

Next, strain the noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse off with water.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tbsp or 15 ml vegetable oil in a large pan. Fry sliced onions, cabbage, and celery until softened, which takes about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil into the empty space, then add noodles and sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

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

With these simple steps, you’ll have your own delicious homemade Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein, ready to impress family and friends!

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

Serving your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can elevate the meal experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this tasty dish.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds a protein boost and complements the flavors perfectly.
• Tofu Stir-fry: For a vegetarian option, toss in some marinated tofu for added texture and protein.

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and enhance the presentation.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty flavor.

Serve with Sauce

• Soy Sauce: A drizzle of soy sauce can intensify the umami flavor of the chow mein.
• Chili Oil: For those who enjoy heat, a dash of chili oil can elevate the spice level.

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

Achieving the perfect chow mein is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these pointers to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh chow mein noodles provide the best texture and flavor compared to dried ones.
• Don’t Overcook Veggies: Stir-fry veggies just until they’re tender but still crisp for ideal texture.
• Adjust Sauce Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of soy or oyster sauce based on personal taste preferences.
• Pre-mix Sauce Ingredients: Combining the sauce ingredients ahead of time streamlines cooking and ensures even flavor distribution.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can create a delightful meal spread. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Egg Rolls: Crunchy and savory, egg rolls make for a classic Asian appetizer that complements chow mein well.
2. Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, spring rolls filled with veggies are a refreshing counterpart to hearty chow mein.
3. Hot and Sour Soup: This flavorful soup adds warmth and depth, making it an excellent starter alongside chow mein.
4. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice is always a hit; it’s filling and pairs beautifully with chow mein’s flavors.
5. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables offer another layer of taste to your meal.
6. Wonton Soup: Light yet satisfying, wonton soup is a comforting side that balances out the richness of chow mein.
7. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy dressing adds brightness and contrast to your main dish.
8. Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked bok choy provides that extra green element while keeping things light and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Noodles: Blanch the chow mein noodles only for 20-30 seconds. Overcooking will make them mushy, ruining the dish’s texture.
• Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much sauce can overpower the dish. Stick to the suggested measurements for a balanced flavor.
• Not Stir-Frying Quickly Enough: The key to a great chow mein is quick stir-frying. If you let ingredients sit too long, they will lose their crunch.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted veggies will affect taste and texture. Always use fresh cabbage, celery, and onions for the best results.
• Rinsing Noodles After Cooking: Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces adhere. Simply strain them without rinsing for optimal flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chow mein on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked 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 your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added nutrition. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables too!

What type of noodles should I use?

Using fresh chow mein noodles is best for this recipe. If unavailable, you can substitute dried chow mein or egg noodles but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-min. Panda Express Chow Mein is not only quick but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or main course, it’s a delightful meal that saves both time and money while satisfying your cravings. Give it a try today!