Description
This Easy 15-minute Panda Express Chow Mein recipe delivers a quick and delicious stir-fried noodle dish mimicking the popular takeout favorite. Featuring fresh chow mein noodles sautéed with crunchy cabbage, celery, and onion in a savory blend of soy, oyster, and sesame oils, this dish is perfect for a fast dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 small sliced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Noodles
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blanch the noodles: Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the fresh chow mein noodles and briefly blanch them for 20 to 30 seconds until they loosen. Drain the noodles thoroughly without rinsing to retain their starchiness, which helps in the stir-fry texture.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, cabbage, and celery, sautéing for about 1 minute until the vegetables become slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add noodles and sauce: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and a bit of remaining vegetable oil if needed, then add the drained noodles and the prepared sauce mixture.
- Toss and serve: Stir everything together vigorously, tossing the noodles with the vegetables and sauce until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, stir once more, and serve the chow mein hot for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh chow mein noodles is key to achieving the authentic chewy texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp for the best bite.
- The sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more soy or oyster sauce depending on your preference.
- If fresh noodles are unavailable, substitute with dried chow mein noodles but follow package instructions for cooking.
- Toast the sesame oil lightly by adding it at the end to retain its fragrant aroma.
