Make Tonight Special with Our Tasty Filipino Pancit Recipe

Noodles dance across plates in every Filipino gathering, with pancit binding communities through its rich, savory flavors.

This beloved dish carries generations of culinary tradition from the Philippines.

Each strand of pancit tells a story of comfort and connection.

You’ll find vegetables, meats, and seafood intertwining in a delightful celebration of texture and taste.

The recipe weaves together simple ingredients into a complex, satisfying meal that feeds both body and soul.

Vibrant colors and aromatic spices promise a journey through Filipino home cooking that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love Classic Filipino Pancit

• Quickly Customize Flavor: Swap meats or add different vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this dish incredibly versatile and personalized for any palate.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Perfect for beginners with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee a delicious meal without complex culinary skills, ensuring success every single time.
• One-Pan Dish: Streamline your cooking process with minimal dishes to wash, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after preparing this delightful Filipino classic.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein, this dish offers a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable and nutritious.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Pancit

Main Ingredients:

• Rice Noodles: Soft and slippery strands perfect for Filipino cuisine.

• Chicken: Tender white meat with mild flavor.
• Beef: Rich and hearty protein option.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base for delicious flavor.
• Carrots, Cabbage, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful and crunchy vegetable mix.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Savory and umami-rich Asian sauces.
• Broth: Flavorful liquid for extra depth.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for perfect taste balance.

• Green Onions: Fresh and zesty topping.
• Lemon Wedges: Bright citrus accent for serving.

How to Cook Pancit the Traditional Way

Step 1: Prepare Rice Noodles

Submerge rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

Drain completely and set noodles aside, ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sear Protein

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Cook sliced chicken or beef until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer meat to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until onions become translucent and garlic releases its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Red bell pepper

Stir-fry vegetables for 3-5 minutes, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant color.

Step 5: Combine Protein and Vegetables

Return cooked meat to the pan.

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Broth

Blend ingredients and allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Noodles

Add drained rice noodles to the pan.

Gently toss to coat noodles with sauce, meat, and vegetables.

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Handy Tips for a Flavorful Pancit Dish

• Soak rice noodles exactly 10-15 minutes to avoid mushy texture, ensuring they remain firm and ready to absorb delicious sauce.
• Swap chicken or beef with tofu or shrimp for varied protein options that complement the pancit's vibrant flavors and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their crisp texture and bright colors, preventing them from becoming soggy or losing nutritional value.
• Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broth gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor profile that doesn't overwhelm the dish's delicate ingredients.
• Garnish with fresh green onions and lemon wedges just before serving to enhance the pancit's visual appeal and add a zesty, bright note to the final presentation.

Keeping Pancit Fresh and Delicious Later

• Store leftover pancit in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place pancit in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Revive pancit's texture by reheating in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Skip freezing pancit, as rice noodles tend to become mushy and lose their original texture when thawed.

Side Dishes That Go Well with Pancit

• Sip Citrus-Infused Beer: Light Filipino or German-style lagers complement the savory noodle dish perfectly, cutting through the rich flavors with a crisp, refreshing finish.
• Pair with Tangy Calamansi Juice: This native Filipino citrus drink balances the salty umami notes of pancit, providing a bright, zesty counterpoint to the hearty meal.
• Match with Garlic Vinegar Dipping Sauce: A classic Filipino condiment that adds sharp, acidic depth, enhancing the complex flavor profile of the pancit and creating a more dynamic eating experience.
• Enhance with Dry White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully, its acidity and light body harmonizing with the vegetable and protein elements of the dish.

Creative Takes on Filipino Pancit

• Vegetarian Pancit: Replace meat with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a plant-based protein option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pancit: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use rice noodles (which are naturally gluten-free) and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Seafood Pancit: Substitute chicken or beef with shrimp, squid, or a mix of seafood. Add extra seafood-friendly seasonings like ginger and a splash of fish sauce for enhanced flavor.
• Low-Carb Pancit: Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base and keep the protein and vegetable mix the same for a lighter version of the classic dish.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Filipino Pancit?

The key ingredients include rice noodles, protein (chicken or beef), mixed vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and basic seasonings like garlic and onions.

• Is Pancit considered a main dish or side dish?

Pancit is versatile and can be served as both a main dish and a side dish, depending on the occasion and personal preference. It’s popular in Filipino cuisine for gatherings and everyday meals.

• Can I make Pancit vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing meat with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bean sprouts, or snow peas. The core cooking method remains the same.

• Why do Filipinos often serve Pancit during celebrations?

Pancit symbolizes long life in Filipino culture. The long noodles represent longevity, making it a traditional dish served during birthdays, holidays, and special events to wish good fortune and long life.

Best Filipino Pancit Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pancit, a beloved Filipino noodle dish, weaves together a tapestry of savory flavors and cultural heritage. Fragrant herbs, tender meats, and silky noodles invite you to savor a delicious journey through Philippine culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast or beef, thinly sliced

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 1 lb (454 g) rice noodles (bihon)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken or beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice noodles by immersing them in tepid water for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet or wok over moderate temperature, introducing sliced protein and cooking until golden and completely done. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
3. Within the same cooking vessel, introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and garlic releases its aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and diced red bell peppers into the pan, quickly stir-frying for approximately 3-4 minutes to maintain vegetable crispness while reducing raw intensity.
5. Reintroduce previously cooked protein into the vegetable mixture, then cascade soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broth across the ingredients. Gently integrate components and allow gentle simmering for 2-3 minutes.
6. Carefully fold drained rice noodles into the mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating with sauce and even distribution of meat and vegetables. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring consistently.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference, ensuring balanced flavor profile. Optionally, embellish with finely chopped green onions and accompany with fresh lemon wedges for enhanced taste complexity.

Notes

• Perfectly time noodle soaking to achieve ideal texture without becoming mushy by testing noodle softness during the 10-15 minute warm water soak.
• Choose protein flexibility by swapping chicken or beef with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and variety.
• Maintain vegetable crispness through high-heat stir-frying and quick cooking to preserve nutrients and prevent soggy consistency.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra complexity and personal touch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg