Traditional Filipino Pansit Recipe: A Noodle Dish to Savor

Ingredients

  • 200g of Pancit Bihon Noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 Carrot, julienned
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, julienned
  • 2 Cups of Cabbage, shredded
  • 1 Cup of Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 Cup of Pork, cooked and sliced
  • 1/2 Cup of Shrimps, peeled and deveined
  • 2 Cups of Chicken Stock
  • 1/4 Cup of Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Green Onions, chopped
  • 2 Hard-Boiled Eggs, sliced for garnish
  • 1 Lemon, sliced into wedges for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the Pancit Bihon Noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until they soften. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok on medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  5. Add the cooked chicken, pork, and shrimps to the pan. Stir-fry the mixture for another 2 minutes.
  6. Slowly pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Add the soaked and drained noodles to the pan. Mix thoroughly ensuring the noodles are fully immersed in the stock.
  8. Pour the soy sauce over the noodles and add the ground black pepper. Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the sauce and seasonings.
  9. Cover the pan and let the noodles cook for about 5 minutes or until they have absorbed most of the liquid and are fully cooked.
  10. Garnish the Pansit with chopped green onions and slices of hard-boiled eggs. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Skip the chicken, pork, and shrimps, and add more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, and bean sprouts.
  • Seafood Variation: Replace the chicken, pork, and shrimps with a medley of seafood such as squid, mussels, and fish fillets.
  • Beef Variation: Swap the chicken and pork with thinly sliced beef, such as sirloin or flank steak.
  • Spicy Variation: Add some heat by incorporating sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil to the dish.
  • Vegan Variation: Omit all animal products and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Replace the eggs with tofu or tempeh for protein.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free rice noodles instead of Pancit Bihon noodles, and ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
  • Nut-Free Variation: Avoid using any nuts as garnish or in the recipe, and check all ingredients for potential cross-contamination with nuts.
  • Spicy Peanut Variation: Create a delicious peanut sauce by mixing peanut butter, soy sauce, chili paste, and a touch of sugar. Toss the noodles and vegetables in this sauce for a unique twist.
  • Curry Variation: Add curry powder or curry paste to the sautéed vegetables for a flavorful curry-inspired Pansit.
  • Herb-infused Variation: Experiment with adding herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint for added freshness and aroma.

Recipe overview

Pansit is a beloved dish in the Philippines that is often served during celebrations and family gatherings. This recipe guides you in creating a flavorful Pansit Bihon, which is a type of Pansit dish made with rice noodles. The noodles are stir-fried with a medley of colorful vegetables, succulent chicken, tender pork, and juicy shrimps, all brought together with a savory soy sauce. Once cooked, the Pansit is garnished with green onions and slices of hard-boiled eggs for added depth of flavor and texture. Lastly, a wedge of lemon is served on the side for a spritz of tangy freshness. This recipe is a beautiful meld of textures and flavors, promising a delicious and satisfying meal. It's surprisingly easy to make and perfect for those wanting to explore Filipino cuisine. Enjoy this with your family and friends and experience a taste of Filipino culture and tradition.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of Pancit Bihon? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice stick noodles (bihon), rice vermicelli, or even spaghetti noodles if you don't have Pancit Bihon available.
  2. Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable ingredients based on your preference or what you have available. Some popular choices include snow peas, green beans, and bean sprouts.
  3. Can I substitute the meat or make it vegetarian? Of course! You can omit the meat entirely to make a vegetarian version of Pansit. Alternatively, you can use tofu or seitan as a meat substitute.
  4. What can I use instead of chicken stock? If you prefer not to use chicken stock, you can substitute it with vegetable stock or mushroom stock for a vegetarian option. You can also use water and add additional seasonings for flavor.
  5. How can I make Pansit spicy? If you like spicy food, you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce while stir-frying the vegetables. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
  6. Can I prepare Pansit in advance? Yes, you can prepare Pansit in advance. However, it is best to cook the noodles just before serving to maintain their texture. You can pre-cut and prepare all the ingredients ahead of time to save preparation time.
  7. How can I reheat leftover Pansit? To reheat leftover Pansit, you can microwave it or heat it in a pan with a little bit of oil or chicken stock. Stir the noodles gently to prevent them from sticking together.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan or Wok - A large pan or wok is needed to stir-fry the ingredients and cook the Pansit.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for chopping and mincing ingredients like onion, garlic, and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are useful for accurately measuring the ingredients like soy sauce and black pepper.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Tongs or a spatula help with stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan while cooking.
  • Strainer - A strainer is necessary for draining the soaked noodles before adding them to the pan.
  • Ladle or Spoon - A ladle or spoon is used for pouring the chicken stock and stirring the noodles.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board is used for chopping and slicing ingredients like chicken, pork, and shrimps.
  • Grater - A grater is helpful for julienning the carrots and bell peppers.
  • Pot - A pot is needed for boiling the eggs.
  • Serving Platter or Plates - A serving platter or individual plates are used for presenting the cooked Pansit.
  • Serving Fork or Tongs - A serving fork or tongs are used for serving portions of Pansit onto plates.

Origin stories

Pansit, a quintessential dish in the Philippines, embraces the Filipino spirit of culinary diversity. It symbolizes long life and is a staple during birthday celebrations. Its roots trace back to the Chinese traders who introduced noodles in the country, shaping a lasting influence on Filipino cuisine. Today, Pansit comes in various regional versions, each with their unique twist, reflecting the myriad of cultures and influences that have shaped the food and history of the archipelago. From the sizzling Pansit Batil Patung of Cagayan Valley, the Seafood-loaded Pansit Malabon, to the classic Pansit Bihon, this humble noodle dish continues to weave stories, binding generations of Filipinos in a shared love for good food and heartfelt celebrations.

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.