Name: Easy 15-min Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 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); 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you find yourself dreaming of a takeout classic that you can whip up at home in less time than it takes to grab your keys, then this Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein is going to be your new best friend. These noodles are the definition of quick comfort: tender chow mein noodles, crisp veggies, and a perfectly glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. This dish brings all the signature flavors of your favorite Panda Express side right to your kitchen, with an Easy 15-min spin that makes it just as suitable for weeknight dinners as spontaneous cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Easy 15-min recipe shine is how just a handful of humble ingredients come together for truly bold flavor. Each player in this lineup, from the fresh noodles to the crisp veggies and staple sauces, does its part in building that irresistible Panda Express taste and perfect takeout texture.

Chow mein noodles (1 lb, fresh): Use fresh, refrigerated noodles for that signature chewy, springy base—loosen with a quick blanch for the perfect texture.
Cabbage (2 cups, thinly sliced): Brings crunch and a subtle sweetness that lightens the whole dish.
Celery (1 cup, sliced): Look for crisp, pale green stems for the brightest flavor and satisfying bite.
Small onion (sliced): Adds a mellow, sweet-savory depth that weaves everything together.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Any neutral oil works—helps sauté the veggies and keeps noodles from sticking.
Regular soy sauce (2 tbsp): Essential for salty umami depth; choose a quality brand if possible.
Dark soy sauce (1/2 tbsp): Intensifies color and flavor for that classic chow mein look.
Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): Brings a lovely savory-sweet complexity; sub in vegetarian stir fry sauce if needed.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Gives the noodles their deliciously nutty finish—don’t skip this!
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses a fantastic aroma and punch right at the start.
Chicken stock (1/4 cup, low-sodium, or cold water): Helps meld the sauce and keep the noodles juicy.
Cornstarch (1/2 tbsp, or potato starch): A touch of starch thickens the sauce so it hugs every noodle strand.

How to Make Easy 15-min

Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce

Start by stirring together the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken stock (or water), and cornstarch in a small bowl. This combo is the heart of the Easy 15-min flavor, so whisk it well until smooth and set it next to the stove for easy access.

Step 2: Loosen the Noodles

Fill a big pan halfway with water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the chow mein noodles and let them loosen up for just 20 to 30 seconds—don’t overcook. Drain the noodles in a colander, but resist the urge to rinse them; a little starch helps the sauce stick later.

Step 3: Quick Sauté the Veggies

Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Add your onions, cabbage, and celery, stirring briskly for about a minute until they’re slightly softened but still vibrant. The fast stir-fry keeps everything snappy and fresh—the signature of Easy 15-min greatness!

Step 4: Noodles and Sauce Join the Party

Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add your remaining oil to the open space. Drop in the drained noodles and pour that glorious sauce right over the top. The whole pan will start to sizzle and smell amazing—this is the Easy 15-min magic moment!

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Grab your tongs and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce and the veggies are mixed through. Give it a quick taste, and as soon as the sauce clings to the noodles and everything looks glossy, pull the pan off the heat. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant!

How to Serve Easy 15-min

Garnishes

This Easy 15-min chow mein is plenty flavorful on its own, but if you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle with extra sliced green onions or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. A drizzle of chili oil also elevates things for spice lovers without much extra work.

Side Dishes

Chow mein loves good company! Pair your Easy 15-min noodles with steamed broccoli, crispy egg rolls, or classic orange chicken for a full takeout spread at home. Even a simple cucumber salad works wonders as a fresh, cooling side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein in mini takeout boxes for a playful presentation (great for parties), or pile into a communal platter for a crowd. You can even add cooked shrimp, sliced chicken, or tofu to turn this into a one-pan main event!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Easy 15-min chow mein will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure the noodles have cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess, and keep any garnishes separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

For best texture, Easy 15-min chow mein is served fresh, but if you want to freeze, let your noodles cool completely, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, and lay flat. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat Easy 15-min chow mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock, tossing until warmed through. This method keeps the noodles from drying out and brings back some of that original glossy goodness.

FAQs

What kind of noodles are best for Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein?

Fresh chow mein noodles from the refrigerated section create the most authentic texture, but if you can only find dried, just cook according to package directions and skip the blanching step.

Can I make Easy 15-min chow mein vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian stir fry sauce and use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a fully plant-based plate.

Can this recipe handle extra protein?

Yes—add sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Cook your protein in the pan first until browned, then set aside while you stir-fry the veggies and follow the remaining Easy 15-min steps as listed.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

If you only have regular soy sauce, just use an extra splash for flavor and add a pinch of sugar and a drop of molasses or honey to mimic the depth and sweetness. Your Easy 15-min noodles will still be delicious!

How can I avoid mushy noodles?

Barely blanch the noodles—just enough to loosen, no longer. Don’t rinse after draining so the sauce sticks, and toss gently right at the end of the Easy 15-min cooking process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a speedy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings home all the joy of takeout, this Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein makes it simple to be your own chef. Try it just once and you’ll see why it’s a go-to in our kitchen—quick, flavorful, and so satisfying. Get those chopsticks ready!

Easy 15-min Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy 15-minute Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy classic Chinese takeout at home. Tender chow mein noodles are stir-fried with a flavorful mix of vegetables and savory sauces, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Instructions

Noodle Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the noodle sauce ingredients listed above and set aside.
Blanch Noodles: Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Blanch chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds until loosened. Strain and set aside.
Stir-Fry Veggies: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan. Fry onions, cabbage, and celery until softened, about 1 minute.
Add Noodles and Sauce: Push veggies to the side, add remaining oil, noodles, and sauce. Toss until noodles are coated.
Serve: Remove from heat and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Chow Mein!

Notes

You can customize this chow mein by adding your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese