Panda Express Chow Mein

Chow mein is a Chinese American dish of bits of meat and vegetables served over noodles.

Panda Express Chow Mein is a popular dish that combines stir-fried noodles with a savory and flavorful sauce. It features a medley of vegetables, such as cabbage, celery, and bean sprouts, along with soft and chewy noodles. This classic Chinese-American dish is known for its delicious taste and satisfying texture.

The dish starts with cooking the noodles until they are tender, then they are stir-fried with the vegetables in a wok or large skillet. The vegetables are cooked until they are slightly crisp, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. The sauce, typically made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, is added to the noodles and vegetables, coating them with its rich and savory flavors.

Panda Express Chow Mein can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a side with other entrees such as Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken. It is a versatile and satisfying choice that can be customized with your favorite protein, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, to create a complete meal.

Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a delicious and comforting noodle dish, Panda Express Chow Mein is sure to satisfy your cravings with its combination of flavors, textures, and aromatic ingredients.

SERVES: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, diced
• 1½ cups sliced Napa cabbage
• ¼ cup sliced celery
• ¼ cup bean sprouts
• ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• ¼ pound cooked vermicelli noodles

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil until it is hot but not smoking. Stir-fry the onions, cabbage, celery, and sprouts for 3 minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted.
2. Add the sugar, broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Stir the cornstarch mixture, then add it to the vegetable mixture in the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil.
4. Season the dish with red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then drain.
6. Serve the stir-fried vegetables over the cooked vermicelli noodles.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Main Course: Serve Panda Express Chow Mein as the main dish by pairing it with your choice of protein. You can add grilled or stir-fried chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to the noodles for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Side Dish: Use Panda Express Chow Mein as a side dish to accompany other Chinese-inspired dishes. It pairs well with favorites like Orange Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Mongolian Beef, or General Tso’s Chicken.
• Family-style Meal: Create a family-style meal by serving Panda Express Chow Mein alongside a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes. Include options like Fried Rice, Egg Rolls, Potstickers, and Vegetable Stir-Fry for a complete and delicious spread.
• Lunch Box: Pack Panda Express Chow Mein in a lunch box for a flavorful and convenient meal on the go. It can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature and makes for a satisfying lunch option.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For vegetarian or vegan preferences, you can enjoy Panda Express Chow Mein as a standalone dish. It is already packed with a variety of vegetables, and you can customize it by adding tofu or plant-based protein for added texture and flavor.