Flavorful Journey: Authentic Filipino Pancit Recipe for All

Noodles dance across plates in this mouthwatering Filipino pancit recipe that captures the heart of home cooking.

Generations have cherished this savory pancit recipe passed down through culinary traditions.

Every strand tells a story of comfort and connection.

The blend of vegetables, proteins, and perfectly seasoned noodles creates a symphony of flavors.

Families gather around steaming platters, sharing laughter and memories with each delicious bite.

This classic dish brings warmth and joy to any table.

Your taste buds will celebrate the rich, vibrant essence of Filipino cuisine.

Leftover Pancit? Here’s How to Store It Well

• Transfer the pancit into shallow containers to speed up cooling. Spread the noodles evenly to prevent bacterial growth and help maintain optimal texture within 2 hours after cooking.
• Store the pancit in airtight sealed containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dish fresh for 3-4 days by maintaining consistent cool temperatures between 35-40°F, preventing moisture accumulation.
• Revive leftover pancit by using a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Gently stir-fry on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, ensuring noodles remain moist and ingredients retain their original flavor profile.
• Package pancit in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain quality and taste.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Pancit?

Pancit originated from Chinese influence in the Philippines, brought by early Chinese traders who settled in the country. It became a popular dish that Filipinos adapted and made their own.

• Is Pancit a complete meal?

While Pancit is hearty, it’s typically considered a side dish or light meal. It’s often served with rice or as part of a larger Filipino spread during gatherings and celebrations.

• Can I make Pancit vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and shrimp, and replace them with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms and green beans. The key is maintaining the flavorful sauce and stir-frying technique.

• What makes Pancit different from other noodle dishes?

Pancit is uniquely Filipino, featuring a mix of local and Chinese cooking techniques. It uses specific noodles like Pancit Canton and includes distinctive seasonings like fish sauce that give it a distinct flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You’ll Need to Create Filipino Pancit

• Pancit Canton Noodles: Traditional Filipino wheat noodles that create the hearty foundation of the dish, quick-cooking and perfect for absorbing rich flavors.

• Chicken, Shrimp: Tender protein sources that add delightful texture and authentic Filipino seafood character, choose fresh or frozen options with firm, clean appearance.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic flavor builders that form the flavor base, select firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouting.
• Carrots, Bell Peppers, Snow Peas: Colorful vegetables providing crunch and nutritional boost, pick vibrant, crisp produce without blemishes.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, selecting low-sodium versions allows better flavor control.
• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Essential umami enhancers that create authentic Filipino taste profile, choose brands with balanced saltiness.

• Calamansi or Lemon: Brightens overall dish with tangy citrus notes, select fruits with smooth, glossy skin.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish offering mild onion freshness, choose bright green stalks with crisp edges.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate and balance flavors, use freshly ground pepper for maximum aroma.

Equipment That Gets the Noodles Just Right

• Large Wok or Skillet: Essential for stir-frying ingredients and preparing the entire pancit dish with even heat distribution.
• Cooking Tongs: Perfect for tossing noodles and turning meat during cooking without damaging ingredients.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing chicken, shrimp, and chopping vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients before cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure sauces and broth for consistent flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan's surface.

How to Pull Off This Flavor-Packed Pancit Dish

• Boil the Noodles

Slide Pancit Canton into hot water and cook until perfectly tender yet slightly firm. Drain and let rest.

• Sizzle the Protein

Heat oil in a large skillet and cook chicken and shrimp until they’re golden and fully done. Set aside on a plate.

• Dance the Vegetables

Toss onions and garlic into the same pan until they release their amazing aroma. Add colorful carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, stirring quickly to keep them crisp and vibrant.

• Build the Flavor Profile

Reunite the cooked protein with dancing vegetables. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Let everything simmer and mingle for a few moments.

• Marry the Noodles

Introduce the cooked noodles to the saucy mixture. Gently toss everything together so each strand gets coated with delicious goodness.

• Finish and Feast

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh calamansi for a zesty punch. Scatter green onions on top and serve piping hot to eager friends and family.

Adjust This Recipe to Match Your Mood

• Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness, avoiding overcooking which can make them soggy and break apart easily.
• Easily replace chicken and shrimp with tofu, beef, or pork depending on dietary preferences or personal taste. Vegetarians can use extra firm tofu as a protein alternative.
• Create deeper flavor complexity by adding a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of ground white pepper during cooking for extra depth and authenticity.
• Expand vegetable variety by including cabbage, mushrooms, or green beans to increase nutrition and create more interesting texture combinations. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best for maintaining that signature pancit crunch.
• Substitute traditional wheat-based Pancit Canton noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free versions to make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities. Always check sauce ingredients to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.

How to Plate Pancit With Pride

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice pancit into portions and arrange on a colorful platter with citrus wedges and extra green onions scattered around for a festive, eye-catching presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the cooking pan, letting everyone scoop their desired amount with large serving spoons, creating a warm, communal dining experience.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack pancit in meal prep containers with a small side of extra soy sauce, making it a perfect portable lunch for work or school that stays delicious when reheated.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Top pancit with a fried egg and extra crispy garlic bits, transforming the classic dish into a hearty breakfast option that adds exciting texture and flavor complexity.

Authentic Filipino Pancit Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory Pancit noodles showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines with a delightful mix of proteins, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Generous portions and simple preparation make this dish a perfect meal for family gatherings and celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 grams) rice noodles (bihon)
• 1 cup (240 grams) cooked chicken, shredded (or pork, sliced)
• ½ lb (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup (150 grams) green beans, sliced diagonally
• ½ cup (60 grams) celery, sliced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) oyster sauce
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
• Toasted garlic (optional)

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Immerse Pancit Canton noodles in vigorously boiling water, stirring delicately to prevent entanglement. Cook for 3-4 minutes until achieving optimal texture, then drain and rinse with cool water to suspend cooking process.
2. Protein Searing: Ignite a wok with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Swiftly brown chicken and shrimp until they transition from pale to golden, developing a caramelized exterior. Remove protein and reserve on a separate plate.
3. Vegetable Transformation: Within the same cooking vessel, caramelize onions and garlic until fragrant. Introduce carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, tossing rapidly to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Flavor Infusion: Reunite cooked proteins with the vegetable ensemble. Stream chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce into the mixture, allowing ingredients to simmer and marry their intricate flavors.
5. Noodle Integration: Gently incorporate prepared noodles into the aromatic mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating and seamless distribution of proteins, vegetables, and pasta strands.
6. Final Embellishment: Season with salt and black pepper. Enhance with a citrusy splash of calamansi or lemon juice. Garnish with verdant green onion snippets and serve immediately for optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

Prevent Noodle Clumping: Stir gently during boiling and rinse immediately with cool water to stop cooking, ensuring noodles remain separate and perfectly textured.

Maintain Vegetable Crispness: Stir-fry vegetables quickly over high heat to preserve their vibrant colors, crunch, and nutritional value, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy texture.

Protein Searing Technique: Cook chicken and shrimp at high temperature for a brief period to lock in moisture, creating a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Balanced Flavor Layering: Add sauces gradually and taste consistently, allowing each ingredient to develop its unique flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate pancit essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg