The noodles are super thin rice vermicelli, and they do this magic trick where they soak up all the flavors around them. I toss in some chicken and shrimp to bulk it up. Then, I add a bunch of veggies – carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and snow peas. They’re all crunchy and colorful, making the dish not just tasty but really pretty to look at. Try this easy and quick noodle stir fry, Filipino style, in about 30 minutes. If noodles are what you crave for, you are going to love this one. I am a big fan of noodle dishes, especially quick, one-pan noodles. Sounds easy and convenient, right? This Filipino noodle stir fry dish cooks in one pan, where delicate vermicelli rice noodles are quickly simmered in a savory broth to ensure every noodle strand is infused with taste. It’s a well balanced dish where noodles and any veggies and protein of your choice gets stir fried into a perfect weeknight meal.
What is Pancit Bihon?
Pancit Bihon is a beloved noodle dish in the Philippines, made primarily with rice vermicelli noodles stir-fried with a mix of meats, typically chicken, pork and shrimp, and a colorful mix of vegetables. Its flavors are enhanced with soy sauce, and it’s often served with a squeeze of lime or calamansi. Pancit simply refers to noodles in the Philippines. The term “pancit” originates from the Hokkien Chinese word “pian i sit”, which means “something conveniently cooked”. It’s believed that Chinese traders and immigrants introduced noodle dishes to the Filipino people during pre-colonial times. “Panciteros” is a term in the Philippines that refers to these Chinese makers or vendors of Pancit. These individuals or establishments specialize in preparing and selling various types of pancit. During the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines, the cigar-making industry, primarily centered in Manila, heavily employed women known as “cigarreras” to roll and package cigars. Given their demanding work schedules, these female laborers sought affordable and hearty meals. Enter the Chinese panciteros, who strategically set up their panciterias near cigar factories. These noodle houses offered a variety of filling and economical pancit dishes tailored to the tastes of the Filipino cigarreras. Over time, the noodle dishes the Chinese introduced were adapted to local Filipino tastes and available ingredients, giving birth to different pancit variations we see today, from Pancit Canton to Pancit Bihon and many more. Pancit Bihon uses rice vermicelli noodles, which are thin, translucent, and made primarily from rice flour. They become soft and slightly slippery when cooked. Pancit Canton uses wheat-based egg noodles, which are thicker, chewier, and more similar in texture to Chinese lo mein or chow mein noodles. Every family has their own favorite Pancit recipe, and it holds a special place both on daily dining tables and during significant occasions like birthdays, weddings, new year celebrations, town fiestas and festivals.
Ingredients Needed
Noodles – Today I am using vermicelli rice noodles. Oil – Any preferred cooking oil. Protein: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and shrimp for this recipe. You can use chicken breast as well. Veggies and aromatics – Onion, carrot, cabbage, green beans, red bell pepper, snow peas and garlic. For Pancit Bihon sauce – Chicken stock, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper. Salt and pepper – To season chicken and shrimp. For garnish – Green parts of scallions and lime wedges.
Easy Pancit Recipe
- Stir-fry Chicken and Shrimp: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces and stir fry with a dash of salt and pepper for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and starting to brown up. Plate it out. Add in shrimp and stir fry with a little salt and pepper until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Plate them out with the chicken.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add a dash of oil if needed. Add all the veggies except snow peas and stir fry for a couple of minutes over high heat. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Add the Sauce and Noodles: Add the chicken stock, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper and sugar. Stir to combine. Place the noodles into the sauce. Use your tongs to toss the noodles as they cook in the sauce. Continue cooking and stir-frying for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have soaked up all of the sauce. Add more stock (or water) if the dish is dry before the noodles are tender.
- Finish the Stir Fry: Add the chicken and shrimp back into the pan along with snow peas. Toss until combined and cook for a couple of minutes. Garnish with green parts of scallions and serve with lime wedges.
Tips and Tricks
Possible Variations
Make Pancit Canton: Use wheat-based egg noodles, giving a taste similar to Chinese chow mein. Use other protein: Use diced pork, pork belly or steak. Or simply omit all protein and make vegetarian Pancit. Make it spicy: Add red chili flakes or any of your favorite Asian hot sauces for a little spicy kick. Use other vegetables: Try mushrooms, baby corn, bok-choy, zucchini or water chestnuts.
Pancit is more than just a noodle dish in the Philippines. It’s a taste of home, family, and special memories. Whether it’s a regular day or a big celebration, Pancit brings everyone together. So, make these Filipino stir fry noodles the next time you are craving some quick and easy noodles. You’re joining a long tradition of good food and good times.
Pancit, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other Asian Noodle RecipesLaksa Noodle SoupShanghai NoodlesChicken Ramen Stir FryKorean Pork SoupSpicy NoodlesJapchaeBun Cha
