Filipino Pancit Recipe

The Filipino Pancit Recipe is a beloved classic that’s deeply rooted in the Philippines’ culinary heritage. Drawing influence from Chinese cuisine and shaped by local ingredients and techniques, Pancit is more than just a noodle dish it’s a celebration of culture, family, and togetherness. 

Whether served during birthdays for good luck or simply enjoyed as a hearty weekday meal, Pancit holds a special place in Filipino homes. Known for its medley of vegetables, proteins, and springy noodles, it’s not only flavorful but visually vibrant, making it the centerpiece of many feasts.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make authentic Pancit with step-by-step instructions, provide variations to suit dietary needs, offer cooking and serving tips, and delve into its nutritional value. 

Whether you’re new to Filipino cooking or seeking to perfect your technique, this guide will help you master the art of making Pancit at home.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

There are countless reasons why this Filipino Pancit Recipe will become a favorite in your home:

• Bursting with flavor – A savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, and umami-rich ingredients brings the noodles to life.

• Customizable – Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, pork, or vegetarian, Pancit can be adapted to your preferences.

• One-pan simplicity – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one large pan or wok.

• Perfect for any occasion – Serve it for birthdays, holidays, or casual dinners.

• Nutritious – Packed with vegetables and lean proteins, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

• Great leftovers – Pancit tastes even better the next day!

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Filipino Pancit ?

To make a delicious Filipino Pancit, gather the following ingredients. This recipe uses Pancit Bihon (rice noodles), but can be adapted to Pancit Canton (egg noodles).

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz Pancit Bihon (rice stick noodles)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup boneless chicken, sliced thinly (breast or thigh)
• ½ cup shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon or calamansi wedges for serving
• Chopped green onions for garnish

🍳 How to Make Filipino Pancit Step-by-Step Instructions ?

Filipino Pancit Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Place the Pancit Bihon noodles in a large bowl and soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Proteins

Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink. If using shrimp, add them after the chicken is nearly cooked and stir-fry until they turn pink (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the carrots, green beans, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Flavor & Simmer

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Add the Noodles

Add the drained rice noodles directly into the pan. Use tongs to gently toss the noodles into the sauce and vegetables until fully coated and the broth is absorbed. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped green onions and serve with lemon or calamansi wedges.

🌀 Variations

Filipino Pancit is incredibly versatile, and you can adapt it based on what you have or your dietary preferences:

• Pancit Canton: Swap rice noodles for egg noodles for a firmer texture.

• Vegetarian Pancit: Omit the chicken and shrimp. Use tofu or mushrooms as your protein source. Add more vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn.

• Pancit Malabon: A richer version made with thick rice noodles and a shrimp-based sauce.

• Spicy Pancit: Add sliced red chili or a dash of chili garlic oil for some heat.

• Beef Pancit: Use thinly sliced beef sirloin in place of chicken or shrimp.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

Experiment with flavors and textures to find the perfect version for your household!

🔥 Cooking Notes

Cooking Pancit requires a delicate balance of timing and liquid absorption. Over-soaking the noodles can make them mushy, so only soak them until they’re pliable, not fully soft. The noodles will continue to cook and absorb flavor once added to the broth in the pan.

When stir-frying the vegetables, don’t overcook them—you want to retain a bit of crunch for texture. Also, if your noodles start sticking, you can add a splash more broth or water while tossing them with the sauce.

A wok is ideal for even heat distribution, but any large sauté pan will do. If you're making Pancit for a crowd, cook the proteins and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking.

Lastly, Pancit is best served immediately after cooking, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, reheat it in a pan with a few tablespoons of water or broth to bring it back to life.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pancit is traditionally served with lemon wedges or calamansi to squeeze over the top, adding a bright citrus zing that enhances the savory flavors. It's a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) for a party platter
• Garlic fried rice as a side dish
• Fried or grilled fish for a more hearty meal
• A refreshing cucumber salad or pickled papaya (atchara) for a tangy contrast

Pair it with an ice-cold calamansi juice or sago’t gulaman (a Filipino sweet drink) for an authentic Filipino dining experience.

💡 Helpful Tips

1. Use quality noodles – Look for authentic Pancit Bihon noodles in Asian markets.
2. Prep in advance – Slice all your veggies and proteins before starting for a smoother cooking process.
3. Don't over-soak the noodles – They should be soft but not mushy; they’ll cook further in the broth.
4. Layer your flavors – Sauté garlic and onions well to build a flavorful base.
5. Use both soy and oyster sauce – This combo provides depth and balance.
6. Garnish generously – Fresh green onions and lemon elevate every bite.
7. Batch cook for crowds – Pancit is perfect for large gatherings and potlucks.
8. Let it rest before serving – A few minutes in the pan helps flavors meld.
9. Reheat gently – Use a splash of broth when reheating to maintain moisture.
10. Double the recipe – It stores well and makes excellent leftovers!

🌟 Tips for the Best Filipino Pancit

To make the best Filipino Pancit, start with high-quality noodles and fresh, crisp vegetables. Be mindful of the noodle-to-sauce ratio so the noodles absorb flavor without turning soggy. Keep your vegetables slightly crisp for that ideal stir-fry texture. 

Don't skip the citrus it brightens the entire dish! And remember, Pancit is about balance: savory, slightly sweet, with a touch of acidity. Follow the steps patiently and taste as you go for perfect seasoning.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

🧪 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make Pancit ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook it ahead and reheat it with a splash of broth or water on the stovetop.

Q: What kind of noodles should I use?
A: Pancit Bihon uses thin rice noodles. You can also try Pancit Canton (egg noodles) or mix both.

Q: Can I freeze Pancit?
A: It's best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat with a little liquid in a pan.

Q: Is Pancit gluten-free?
A: If using rice noodles and gluten-free soy and oyster sauces, yes—it can be gluten-free.

Q: What protein works best?
A: Chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu all work well. You can use a combo or just one.

✅ Conclusion

Filipino Pancit is more than just a noodle dish it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together. With its colorful medley of vegetables, proteins, and perfectly seasoned noodles, it’s both comforting and festive. 

Whether you're cooking it for a holiday feast, birthday celebration, or a weeknight dinner, Pancit never fails to impress. Versatile, hearty, and packed with umami, it’s a dish worth mastering and sharing.

Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of the Philippines to your table. Don’t forget the lemon wedge on the side just one squeeze takes this dish to the next level! 🇵🇭🍋