Classic Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe: A Tasty Noodle Dish to Enjoy Anytime

Ingredients

  • 200 grams Pancit Canton noodles
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced cabbage
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges (for serving)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes soft.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the pan and stir to mix with the onion and garlic.
  4. Add the carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, peas, celery, and mushrooms to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  5. While the vegetables are cooking, in a separate pot, boil the Pancit Canton noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
  6. Add the soy sauce, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the pan with the vegetables and chicken. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Add the cooked and drained noodles to the pan. Stir to combine the noodles with the other ingredients and to coat the noodles with the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  8. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  9. Garnish the Pancit Canton with chopped green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use shrimp or pork instead of chicken
  • Add sliced sausages for extra flavor
  • Include other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce
  • Replace Pancit Canton noodles with rice noodles or egg noodles
  • Add a splash of oyster sauce or fish sauce for a different umami flavor
  • Include chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and taste
  • Add a squeeze of calamansi juice instead of lemon for a more traditional Filipino taste
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, or lemongrass
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding tofu or tempeh

Recipe overview

Pancit Canton is a classic Filipino dish that is often served at festive occasions. This hearty and flavorful recipe will bring a taste of the Philippines right to your dinner table. In this recipe, we'll be using a colorful mix of vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and Pancit Canton noodles, which have a unique, chewy texture. The dish is stir-fried and simmered in a savory soy sauce broth, giving it a rich, umami flavor. Expect a multi-layered dish that is a feast for the senses. Each bite offers different textures from the noodles, varied vegetables, and chicken, while the soy sauce and broth bring everything together in a harmonious blend of flavors. It's a straightforward recipe and is sure to satisfy your craving for a warm, comforting meal. Serve your Pancit Canton hot, garnished with bright green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a delightful contrast. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of Pancit Canton?
  2. Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles if you prefer.
  3. Can I substitute or add different vegetables?
  4. Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your preference. Some common additions include bean sprouts, snow peas, or bok choy.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
  6. Definitely! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version of Pancit Canton.
  7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
  8. Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time, and cook the noodles separately. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the vegetables and chicken, then combine with the noodles and sauce.
  9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  10. Pancit Canton is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  11. What can I serve with Pancit Canton?
  12. Pancit Canton is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad for added freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the vegetables and noodles.
  • Pot - A pot is required to boil the Pancit Canton noodles.
  • Kitchen knife - A kitchen knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for tossing and combining the noodles with the other ingredients.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter is ideal for presenting and serving the Pancit Canton.
  • Lemon squeezer - A lemon squeezer can be used to extract juice from the lemons for serving.
  • Chopsticks or tongs - Chopsticks or tongs can be used for serving individual portions of Pancit Canton.

Origin stories

Pancit Canton is a beloved dish from the Philippines, an archipelago that has been influenced by a flurry of cultures throughout history, from the Chinese traders of old to the Spanish colonizers. It's said that the term 'pancit' itself is derived from the Hokkien phrase 'pian i sit', which means 'something conveniently cooked'. Pancit Canton specifically is reflective of these cultural exchanges. With its Chinese roots, it is reminiscent of chow mein, and was born from the Filipino-Chinese community's adaptation of this traditional dish to local tastes. The dish's unique blend of flavors and ingredients celebrates the Philippines' rich culinary history, showing how it has absorbed the best of its many influences, and yet, it carries a distinct Filipino identity. It's not just a dish; it's a tale of heritage and history, served on a plate.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.