Filipino Pancit Recipe
Nothing beats gathering around with loved ones and sharing a big, colorful platter of this Filipino Pancit Recipe. It’s a springy, savory stir-fried noodle dish layered with chicken, shrimp, crisp-tender veggies, and vibrant seasonings, all coming together in one glorious pan. The beauty of pancit lies in its crowd-pleasing simplicity—you get bright flavors, satisfying textures, and a dish that never fails to delight, whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making an authentic Filipino Pancit Recipe is all about using simple ingredients that each bring something essential to the dish. Whether it’s a punch of umami or a pop of color, every item plays their part in delivering pancit’s classic flavor and irresistible look.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the noodles richness and helps everything fry up with a lovely sheen.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth that’s vital for true pancit flavor; let it sizzle but don’t let it burn!
- Onion (thinly sliced): Sweetens as it cooks, mellowing the base for the noodles and veggies.
- Carrot (julienned): Adds crunch, color, and a gentle sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Shredded green cabbage: Wilts beautifully into the noodles and brings mild, earthy freshness.
- Green beans (thinly sliced): Give a crisp-tender bite and pleasing contrast to the softer noodles.
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded): Heartiness and protein for a satisfying main course—I like to use leftovers!
- Cooked shrimp (optional): Brings a pop of delicate seafood flavor that feels extra festive.
- Soy sauce: Salty, savory umami runs deep throughout the entire dish.
- Oyster sauce: Thickens and sweetens the stir-fry, adding extra complexity; don’t skip if you can help it.
- Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat that highlights the flavors without overpowering them.
- Sesame oil (optional): A drizzle at the end infuses everything with nutty aroma—highly recommended!
- Chicken broth or water: Hydrates the noodles as they cook and helps flavor everything together.
- Pancit bihon (thin rice noodles): The star of the show; they soak up all the flavors while staying satisfyingly chewy.
- Sliced green onions and lemon wedges (for garnish): Brighten the finished dish, both visually and flavor-wise—a squeeze of lemon ties it all together.
How to Make Filipino Pancit Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating up the vegetable oil in a generous, wide skillet or a trusty wok. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and you start to smell a sweet, enticing aroma. This is the essential flavor base for any memorable Filipino Pancit Recipe, so let those aromatics build up their richness without getting burnt.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next comes the rainbow of vegetables! Add your julienned carrots, sliced green beans, and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes, just until they become slightly tender but still retain a nice snap. You want a bit of crunch to contrast with those soft noodles, so don’t overcook them.
Step 3: Add Protein and Seasonings
Now it’s time to layer in your shredded cooked chicken and shrimp if you’re using it. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and a dash of sesame oil for that classic pancit fragrance. Stir everything together so all the ingredients start mingling—every bite should tell a story.
Step 4: Simmer With Broth and Add Noodles
Pour the chicken broth (or water) right into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Immediately add the pancit bihon rice noodles straight into the sizzling mixture—no need to pre-soak! Gently stir to ensure the noodles are immersed and soaking up all that savory liquid.
Step 5: Cook Until Noodles Are Tender and Flavors Meld
Cover the pan and let everything cook for 5-7 minutes, giving it a stir now and then as the noodles soften and the flavors blend. Once the rice noodles are tender and most of the liquid has disappeared, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It’s ready when the noodles are fully cooked and have taken on that glorious golden color.
How to Serve Filipino Pancit Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your pancit, there’s nothing like a generous sprinkling of sliced green onions and a handful of lemon wedges on the side. The onions give a splash of freshness, while squeezing lemon juice over the top instantly brightens up each bite. Sometimes, I even add a little cracked black pepper or a few fried garlic chips for extra crunch.
Side Dishes
The Filipino Pancit Recipe is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. I love serving it with classic Filipino favorites like lumpia (crispy spring rolls), grilled meats, or a fresh cucumber salad dressed in vinegar. These sides provide contrasting flavors and textures that make every meal feel that much more special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, pile your pancit high on a large serving platter and scatter extra vegetables in rainbow rows for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even make individual servings in small bowls or roll portions inside lettuce leaves for a hand-held, party-ready twist. Pancit is as stunning as it is scrumptious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), simply store your cooled Filipino Pancit Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh pancit always tastes best, you can freeze portions for up to one month if you want to make ahead. To freeze, let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze! Sprinkle your noodles with a bit of water or chicken broth, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. This keeps the noodles moist while reviving all the flavors. You can also zap it in the microwave in short bursts, but the skillet method keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles in this Filipino Pancit Recipe?
Absolutely! While pancit bihon rice noodles are traditional, you can use a mix of bihon and canton noodles, or even swap in glass noodles or egg noodles depending on what you have. The key is adjusting cooking time and liquid as needed for the type Main Course.
What proteins can I substitute for chicken and shrimp?
Pork, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef make fantastic alternatives in this beloved Filipino Pancit Recipe. Just be sure any meat or plant-based protein is cooked before adding it to the pan so the flavors marry nicely with the stir-fry.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, pancit can be entirely safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Always double-check your labels to be certain.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
The trick is to add the noodles directly to the simmering broth and stir gently yet often as they cook. Don’t let too much liquid evaporate before the noodles are done, and use chopsticks or tongs to give the batch a little toss now and then.
Can I double this Filipino Pancit Recipe for a big party?
Definitely! Pancit is a party favorite for a reason. Just make sure your pan is big enough or cook it in batches so everything cooks evenly and your noodles can soak up that delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around a giant platter of Filipino Pancit Recipe, savoring the bright flavors, and sharing laughter with family and friends. Whether you make it for a festive celebration or whip it up for an easy weeknight meal, one thing’s for sure—one bite of these golden noodles will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and let pancit become a happy tradition in your kitchen!
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Filipino Pancit Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Filipino Pancit Recipe is a classic noodle dish packed with vibrant flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special celebration, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup green beans, sliced thin
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup cooked shrimp (optional)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 8 ounces pancit bihon (thin rice noodles)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, green beans, and cabbage, stir-fry until slightly softened.
- Incorporate Proteins and Flavorings: Add chicken, shrimp, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth or water, bring to a simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add rice noodles, stir to soak in the liquid. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until noodles are soft.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with green onions and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Pancit bihon can be substituted with a mix of bihon and canton noodles.
- Feel free to use pork or tofu instead of chicken or shrimp.
- This dish is traditionally served at celebrations but makes a great weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
