Name: Easy 15-min Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles; 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage; 1 cup sliced celery; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 tbsp regular soy sauce; ½ tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock or cold water; ½ tbsp cornstarch or potato starch

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 18 reviews

If you ever crave that crave-worthy smokiness and savory tangle of noodles from your favorite takeout spot, this Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you’ll sizzle chewy chow mein noodles with crunchy cabbage, fresh celery, and sweet onions in a glossy, umami-packed sauce. It’s the ultimate shortcut to restaurant flavors using everyday ingredients, and I promise you – after one bite, you’ll agree that this Easy 15-min recipe trumps any takeout when you’re pressed for time and want something delicious, fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients keep things simple, yet each one brings something special to the table – from crisp vegetables to that signature stir fry sauce. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to capture the magic of that classic Panda Express chow mein.

Chow mein noodles (1 lb, fresh): The chewy texture is non-negotiable! If you can’t find fresh, refrigerated wheat noodles, dried Asian wheat noodles work in a pinch.
Cabbage (2 cups, thinly sliced): It gives the dish that signature crunch and subtle sweetness.
Celery (1 cup, sliced): Classic for its grassy brightness – don’t skip it, it makes all the difference!
Onion (1 small, sliced): Lends a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Opt for a neutral oil for a clean, restaurant-style stir fry without distracting flavors.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp, regular): Lays down that salty umami foundation every chow mein needs.
Dark soy sauce (½ tbsp): Adds a rich color and a slightly more robust, molasses-like flavor.
Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): The secret to that glossy, savory sheen. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with vegetarian stir fry sauce.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): A finishing aromatic touch, giving your Easy 15-min chow mein a nutty fragrance.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential! Provides the signature, earthy backbone to the sauce.
Chicken stock or cold water (¼ cup, low-sodium): Loosens the sauce and infuses extra flavor – use water for a lighter dish.
Cornstarch or potato starch (½ tbsp): This is your sauce thickener, so all that flavor clings to every noodle.

How to Make Easy 15-min

Step 1: Mix Up Your Noodle Sauce

The backbone of this Easy 15-min recipe is a stellar, homemade sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chicken stock (or water), and cornstarch. Once smooth and combined, set it aside – this little bowl is about to transform your noodles from ordinary to unforgettable.

Step 2: Blanch the Noodles

Bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil on medium-high. Add your fresh chow mein noodles and blanch them for just 20–30 seconds, until they’re loosened and wonderfully springy. This quick dip helps wake up the noodles without letting them get soggy. Drain in a colander and set aside, but don’t rinse – you want that lovely surface starch for the sauce to cling to.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of your vegetable oil in a large, hot pan. Toss in the sliced onion, cabbage, and celery and stir fry for about a minute. The veggies should start to soften but should still have their crunch and vivid colors – that’s what puts the “express” in Easy 15-min chow mein.

Step 4: Add Noodles and Sauce

Push the vegetables to one side of your pan, leaving an open space. Drizzle in the remaining oil, then add in your blanched noodles and that glorious homemade sauce. The smell is going to be incredible – get ready for some noodle magic!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Using tongs or chopsticks, toss everything together until the noodles are completely coated and everything’s heated through. As soon as the sauce clings and you see a beautiful, glossy finish, pull the pan off the heat. That’s it! Your Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein is ready for takeoff!

How to Serve Easy 15-min

Garnishes

This dish is fantastic straight out of the pan, but a few finishing touches can take it to the next level. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of crispy fried shallots for extra crunch and fragrance.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy 15-min chow mein with classic Chinese takeout sides to create a feast at home. Think egg rolls, homemade orange chicken, spicy Szechuan green beans, or a cooling cucumber salad. This dish also shines as the perfect neutral backdrop for any protein you love, from teriyaki tofu to quick stir fried beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving for a crowd? Pile the noodles high on a wide platter for a family-style meal, or portion them into small bowls for an at-home “noodle bar.” For fun, drizzle with a zigzag of chili oil and scatter extra veggies or pickled ginger over the top. Invite everyone to customize their own bowl, Easy 15-min party style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any Easy 15-min chow mein left, scoop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, giving you a next-day lunch that rivals the original.

Freezing

Chow mein is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled noodles in a zip-top bag with as little air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month. The vegetables may lose a little crunch after thawing, but the flavors remain spot on.

Reheating

For best results, quickly reheat Easy 15-min chow mein in a hot skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of water or chicken stock. This revives the sauce and ensures the noodles don’t dry out. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel so everything stays moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh chow mein noodles?

Absolutely! If fresh noodles aren’t available, dried Asian wheat noodles work great. Just cook them according to the package, rinse briefly, and proceed with the recipe for your own Easy 15-min chow mein.

Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?

The original uses oyster sauce and chicken stock, but you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping in a vegetarian stir fry sauce and using vegetable broth or water. For vegan, double-check your noodle packaging and sauces.

How do I avoid soggy noodles?

Blanch the fresh noodles for just 20–30 seconds and drain well. Don’t overcook them in water, and only toss with sauce until just heated through. This keeps your Easy 15-min chow mein chewy and irresistible.

What proteins can I add to bulk it up?

You can turn this side into a satisfying main by adding stir-fried chicken, beef strips, shrimp, or tofu. Just cook the protein first, then toss it in with the veggies and sauce for a true Easy 15-min meal.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute, and ensure your noodles are rice-based or another gluten-free variety. The flavor is just as incredible, and everyone can enjoy this Easy 15-min favorite.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a homemade bowl of these Easy 15-min Panda Express Chow Mein noodles for weeknight cravings or as a quick crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those recipes that proves how easy, fun, and satisfying cooking at home can be. Give it a try tonight and savor the taste of your own takeout triumph!