Okay, picture this: I’m it’s Sunday lunch, the air is thick with the smell of soy sauce and garlic, and a smoky smell. In the center of the table, a huge platter of pancit sits proudly. What’s your favorite Filipino Pancit recipe? If you’re a fan of noodles like Pad See Ew, but are looking for something with more savory flavor, try this recipe. What is the best dish for deep dish? Isn’t it easy to make a pasta bake?
What is a pancit
Pancit, pronounced “pan-sit”, is basically the Filipino word for noodles. What is more than noodles? Is it a whole category of dishes, and this particular version, Pancit Bihon, is made with thin rice. Think of it as a stir-fry with noodles as the star, loaded with veggies, meat (usually chicken or pork) or steamed vegetables. ), and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and often a squeeze of calamansi (Filipino lime). What is the ultimate Filipino noodle party?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? First of all, the flavor is just incredible. The salty soy sauce, the savory meat, the slightly sweet veggies… it’s a perfect balance. And it’s so easy to customize! I’ve added shrimp, different kinds of vegetables, even a little bit of chili for a kick. What I love most about this Filipino Pancit Recipe is that it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes (yay!). Plus, it’s super budget-friendly. A bag of rice noodles is cheap, and you can use whatever veggies and protein you have on hand.
What is better than takeout? Is it healthy, you know exactly what’s in it, and it tastes a million times better? Is ordering online faster than ordering in? If you’re looking for something quick, delicious, and satisfying, this is it. My kids gobble this up every single time, and they’re usually picky eaters. I convinced my neighbor to try it, and now she makes it every week! It’s just that good.
How do I make Filipino pancit?
Quick Overview
What’s the lowdown? What’s the best way to stir fry veggies and meat, then add the noodles and sauce, and cook for about an hour. When the meat is tender, the sauce must be steamed. Is it easy to get a job? What is the best way to get everything ready for cooking? What is the best way to do a process that Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient list; it’s mostly chopping and measuring. You’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish: What are some of the
- 1 pound Pancit Bihon (rice noodles) – I usually get mine from the Asian market, but some larger ones are available in China. Is it true that grocery stores carry them too? Soak them in warm water until softened, about 15-20 minutes.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – You can use any neutral oil, like canola or peanut oil.
- 1 onion, chopped – Yellow or white onion works best.
- Fresh garlic is always best!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken legs are more tender. Can you use chicken breasts if you prefer? How does pork work?
- 1 cup sliced carrots – I like to use pre-shredded carrot to save time.
- 1 cup sliced celery – Adds a nice crunch.
- 1 cup sliced green pepper – Red or yellow bell pepper works too, for a pop of color.
- 1 cup sliced cabbage – Use green or napa cabbage.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium is always a good choice.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce – I prefer low-sodium, to control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce – This adds a great umami flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a little more soy sauce and some sour cream.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
- Salt to taste – Be careful with the salt, since the soy sauce and oyster sauce are already salty.
For Garnish (optional, but highly recommended):
- Chopped green onions.
- Calamansi or lemon wedges – A squeeze of citrus brightens up the flavors.
- Fried garlic – Adds a delicious crunch and garlicky flavor. Is it possible to make your own ice cream?
What is the step-
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Soak the pancit bihon noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re softened but still slightly firm. Don’t oversoak them, or they’ll get mushy when you cook them. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until golden brown. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. What are some ways to burn garlic?
Step 3: Cook the Chicken (or Pork)
Cook chicken thighs in a wok until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. If you’re using pork, you might need to cook it a little longer.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Add the carrots, celery, and green bell pepper to the wok and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Is it safe to cook until it Then, add the sliced cabbage and cook for another minute, until wilted.
Step 5: Add the Noodles and Sauce
Add the softened noodles to the wok, along with the chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir to combine. How do noodles absorb the sauce?
Step 6: Simmer and Stir
What should I do if I’m going to cook in a wok for about an hour? 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the wok. If the noodles start to dry out too much, you can add a little more chicken broth.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the pancit and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt if desired. What are some ways to add more soy sauce to your recipe?
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer pancit to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, calamansi or lemon. What are the best wedges, and fried garlic Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Pancit is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but it’s also great served alongside other dishes. Filipino dishes. What are some of my favorite pairings?
What is a Filipino Fiesta?Serve it with lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), adobo (chicken or pork braised in soy sauce and topped with sour cream). What are the ingredients for steamed rice? What is the classic Filipino spread?
What is a good weeknight meal? Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad. Easy peasy!
As a Party Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of pancit in individual bowls or on small plates. Perfect for a potluck or a party.
My family loves to have this during our weekend lunches! We usually have a big family gathering so pancit always steals the spotlight because who doesn’t love noodles?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pancit
Okay, here are some of my top tips for making the best pancit ever:
Don’t Oversoak the Noodles: Oversoaked noodles will get mushy when you cook them. Aim for noodles that are softened but still slightly firm.
Prep Everything in Advance: This is key for stir-fries! Chop all your veggies and meat before you start cooking, so you can just toss them in the wok as you go.
Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: If you overcrowd the wok, the vegetables and meat will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce is just a guideline. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Some people like their pancit saltier, while others prefer it sweeter.
Add a Little Sugar: A pinch of sugar can help to balance the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the vegetables.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and meat will always taste better than frozen or canned.
Garnish Generously: The garnishes are what really make this dish special! Don’t skimp on the green onions, calamansi or lemon wedges, and fried garlic.
I learned one time the hard way that the noodles should not be oversoaked so now I always set a timer when soaking it in warm water to make sure I don’t forget about it. It happened to me once when I got sidetracked by something and then BOOM! Super soggy noodles.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your pancit:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving pancit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pancit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce as they sit, so you might need to add a little more chicken broth when you reheat it.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing pancit, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. But if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat pancit in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as good. Add a little chicken broth if the noodles are dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Filipino Pancit Recipe is more than just a dish to me; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of family, and a symbol of comfort. It’s a recipe that I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor, this is it. And if you love this Filipino Pancit Recipe, be sure to check out my other Filipino recipes, like Chicken Adobo or Sinigang! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Filipino Pancit Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound thin rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 0.5 cup sliced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the noodles according to package directions.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
