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Easy 15-Minute Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

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4.3 from 78 reviews

Enjoy a quick and delicious homemade version of Panda Express Chow Mein with chewy noodles, crunchy cabbage, celery, and onions stir fried in a savory sauce. This easy 15-minute recipe is perfect as a side dish or a budget-friendly alternative to takeout, made with simple ingredients and cooked all in one pan.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Noodles

  • 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
  • 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

Noodle Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
  • ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock (or cold water)
  • ½ tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodle sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all the noodle sauce ingredients—regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Set this sauce mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Blanch the noodles: Bring a large pan filled halfway with water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fresh chow mein noodles and blanch them for 20 to 30 seconds until they loosen but are still tender. Then strain the noodles in a colander without rinsing to retain their texture and starch for better sauce adherence.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery, and stir fry until softened, about 1 minute. This quick sauté helps maintain a slight crunch in the vegetables.
  4. Add noodles and sauce: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the empty space. Add the blanched noodles along with the prepared noodle sauce all at once.
  5. Toss and combine: Gently toss the noodles, vegetables, and sauce together until the noodles are thoroughly coated with the savory sauce and everything is heated through evenly. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Do not rinse the noodles after blanching, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace oyster sauce with vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
  • Be careful not to overcook the noodles; a quick blanch keeps them chewy.
  • You can add cooked protein like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Adjust the soy sauce to taste if you prefer a saltier or milder flavor.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/easy-15-minute-panda-express-chow-mein-recipe/