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’ve ever wished you could whip up your favorite takeout in the comfort of your own kitchen, this Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein delivers a quick and utterly satisfying noodle fix. Bursting with crisp-tender cabbage, sweet onion, and savory noodles tossed in a glossy, irresistibly savory sauce, this recipe brings the magic of Panda’s famous chow mein straight to your table in almost no time. It’s fast, foolproof, and far fresher than anything sitting in a takeout bag — perfect for busy weeknights or whenever the craving strikes for a comforting bowl of noodles. Trust me, this Easy 15-min treat deserves a spot in your regular dinnertime rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here counts: each one adds its own flavor, character, or texture to this Easy 15-min favorite. The lineup is short but powerful, ensuring maximum flavor in minimum time. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each item essential!

Chow mein noodles (1 lb, fresh): These springy, thick noodles are the authentic base—find them in the refrigerated section for that real takeout chew.
Cabbage (2 cups, thinly sliced): Adds crunch and natural sweetness; slice it as thin as possible for perfect blending with the noodles.
Celery (1 cup, sliced): Classic for chow mein, celery brings herbal notes and a satisfying bite.
Small onion (1, sliced): Onions lend sweetness and create aromatic depth as they cook down quickly.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Keeps everything sizzling—any neutral oil lets the flavors shine.
Regular soy sauce (2 tbsp): The key seasoning, giving that familiar umami punch and gorgeous golden color.
Dark soy sauce (1/2 tbsp): Used for color and a rich, deeper hit of soy flavor; don’t skip this if you can find it!
Oyster sauce (2 tbsp, or vegetarian stir fry sauce): Delivers the famous glossy finish and savory-sweet depth to the noodles.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): A dash of this at the end infuses the whole dish with that toasty, nutty aroma.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): For sharp warmth and flavor—you want that unmistakable garlicky base.
Chicken stock (1/4 cup, low-sodium): Or use water! It keeps noodles juicy while carrying the sauce flavors.
Cornstarch (1/2 tbsp): Thickens up the sauce fast so every strand is perfectly coated.

How to Make Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein

Step 1: Mix the Chow Mein Sauce

Start by grabbing a small bowl. Combine the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken stock (or water), and cornstarch. Give it all a quick whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved—you want a silky, lump-free mixture that’s ready to gently glaze those noodles later. Prepping this ahead makes the rest of the recipe a total breeze!

Step 2: Loosen the Noodles

Fill a large pan halfway with water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add your fresh chow mein noodles and blanch them for just 20 to 30 seconds. The goal is to loosen and separate them without overcooking, so keep an eye out! Once they’re supple, strain them in a colander. It’s important not to rinse them—this helps the sauce stick better.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of your vegetable oil in the same large pan over high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for only about a minute until the vegetables just start to soften. You want them to stay snappy, adding that irresistible crunch and color. Your kitchen will already smell like Panda Express at this step!

Step 4: Add Noodles and Sauce

Push all the veggies to one side, clearing space in the pan. Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into that space, then add the blanched noodles and your premixed sauce. This sizzle is key—it’s where the magic starts! The noodles will soak up all that flavor in just moments.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Now, using tongs or chopsticks, quickly toss everything together so the noodles and veggies are evenly coated with the sauce. This should only take another minute. The sauce thickens almost instantly thanks to the cornstarch, clinging to every bite. Remove from heat, serve immediately, and get ready for a homemade Easy 15-min chow mein that tastes just like (or better than) your favorite takeout!

How to Serve Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein

Garnishes

For that irresistible finish, sprinkle your Easy 15-min chow mein with extra sliced green onions, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or even a light crack of fresh black pepper. If you love a little heat, toss in a few chili flakes or a splash of chili oil right before serving. These garnishes amp up the color and flavor without making things complicated!

Side Dishes

Pairing your chow mein with the right sides takes this Easy 15-min meal to the next level. Classic egg rolls, potstickers, or a simple cucumber salad make fantastic partners. For a protein boost, add a side of teriyaki chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes—each soaks up those delicious noodles beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get playful with how you serve? For a family-style feast, pile everything high on a big platter with tongs for self-serve fun. Or make individual noodle bowls and top each with their own custom garnishes. If you’re entertaining (or packing lunch!), scoop Easy 15-min portions into takeout-style boxes for a dash of nostalgia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy 15-min chow mein at its best, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The noodles hold up well for up to 3 days, though the veggies may lose a bit of their crunch over time. Make sure to cool everything before sealing to avoid unwanted steam buildup.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze portions for those busy future nights! Let your Easy 15-min noodles cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. Lay flat for quick freezing and space-saving storage. Chow mein can be frozen for up to 2 months—just note the veggies may be slightly softer after reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another piping hot bowl, reheat leftover Easy 15-min chow mein straight from the fridge in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen things up. Gently toss until warmed through. For frozen portions, defrost overnight or use your microwave’s defrost setting, then finish in the skillet for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried chow mein noodles instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Simply cook dried chow mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and proceed with the recipe. Fresh noodles give you that perfect takeout texture, but dried are a great substitute when that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a vegetarian version of Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein?

Yes! Swap in a vegetarian stir fry sauce for the oyster sauce and use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock. The flavors will still pop, and you’ll have a fabulous meat-free version.

How can I make this Easy 15-min chow mein gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, and oyster sauce (or vegan alternatives) at your supermarket. Pair these with gluten-free chow mein or rice noodles to make the dish completely gluten-free and easy to enjoy for everyone.

What proteins go well with Easy 15-min chow mein?

This chow mein is endlessly customizable! Toss in cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or even scrambled eggs right at the end. Just make sure your protein is cooked through before adding to the noodles for the final toss.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

The trick is to avoid rinsing the noodles after blanching. Add enough oil during cooking, and toss everything quickly with the sauce—this coats each strand, keeps things separated, and delivers that signature glossy look and feel.

Final Thoughts

With its unbeatable speed, ease, and takeaway-worthy flavor, this Easy 15-min recipe is one you’ll revisit again and again. Invite friends over or treat yourself on a weeknight—it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll love how simple delicious noodles can be. Give the Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new “better than takeout” staple in your kitchen!

Easy 15-min Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for homemade Panda Express Chow Mein that can be made in just 15 minutes. This dish is a delicious combination of stir-fried noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory sauces.

Instructions

Noodle Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the noodle sauce ingredients and set aside.
Boil Noodles: Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Blanch chow mein noodles for 20-30 seconds, then strain and set aside.
Saute Veggies: Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions, cabbage, and celery until softened.
Add Noodles: Push veggies aside, add more oil, then noodles and sauce. Toss everything together.
Serve: Once noodles are coated in sauce, remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the noodles during blanching to maintain a good texture.
You can customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and other seasonings to suit your taste.

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