Craving the delicious flavors of Panda Express Chow Mein? This recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout dish right into your kitchen! With its savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this chow mein is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
– 8 oz chow mein noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup carrots, julienned
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cup):
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 8g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add shredded cabbage and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
5. Stir in julienned carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add sliced bell peppers and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the cooked noodles.
8. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the noodles.
9. Toss everything together gently to combine well.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chow mein noodles with lo mein noodles or even rice noodles for a different texture. Additionally, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or snap peas, for a personal touch.
Serving and Pairings
This chow mein pairs beautifully with dishes like General Tso’s chicken, orange chicken, or even a simple side of steamed broccoli. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired appetizers for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. It can also be frozen for up to one month; just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente.
– Don’t skip rinsing the noodles to prevent them from clumping.
– Use high heat to quickly sauté vegetables without losing their crunch.
– Make sure not to crowd the pan while cooking for even heat distribution.
– Adjust sauces according to your taste preference.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, add minced garlic or ginger while cooking.
– Experiment with protein additions like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
– Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before cooking to streamline the process.
– Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup and better cooking results.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chow mein vegetarian by omitting the oyster sauce or using a vegetarian alternative.
What other vegetables can I use?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize your chow mein to your liking.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Rinsing the noodles with cold water after cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents them from sticking together.
Can I use store-bought chow mein sauce?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought chow mein sauce for convenience, just adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your noodles are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Panda Express Chow Mein recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy the satisfaction of making chow mein from scratch!
Panda Express Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 1/2 cup bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shredded cabbage and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Stir in julienned carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the cooked noodles.
- Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the noodles.
- Toss everything together gently to combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.