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This pancit recipe brings authentic Filipino comfort food to your table with minimal effort. The delicate rice noodles soak up the savory sauce while tender pork and crisp vegetables create a perfect balance of textures in every bite.
I first made this pancit for my friends during a dinner party celebrating global cuisines. The empty bowls and requests for seconds convinced me to add it to our regular rotation. Now it appears on our table at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Rice vermicelli noodles: Form the foundation of this dish providing the perfect texture that absorbs all the delicious flavors
- Pork chops: Cut into bite-sized pieces add hearty protein but remain tender and juicy throughout cooking
- Yellow onion and garlic: Create the aromatic base that defines authentic Filipino flavor
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and rich color to the noodles
- Chicken stock: Creates the savory sauce that ties everything together
- Cabbage and carrots: Add freshness crunch and color to balance the soft noodles
- Green onions: Provide a bright finish and mild onion flavor
- Canola oil: Works perfectly for stir frying at high heat without imparting unwanted flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Soak the rice vermicelli according to package instructions usually about 8 to 10 minutes in hot water until just softened but still slightly firm as they will continue cooking later
- Prep the Ingredients:
- While noodles soak slice pork into uniform bite sized pieces to ensure even cooking dice the yellow onion mince garlic shred cabbage slice carrots and dice green onions keeping all ingredients ready beside your cooking area
- Create the Flavor Base:
- Heat canola oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium high heat until shimmering then add pork yellow onion garlic and soy sauce stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until pork is nicely browned and onions are translucent
- Build the Dish:
- Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom then add cabbage carrots and green onions cooking just 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but maintain some crispness
- Combine and Finish:
- Add the drained soaked noodles to the pork and vegetable mixture using tongs to gently toss everything together allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and pick up all the flavors season to taste with salt and pepper then serve immediately while hot
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My favorite part of this recipe is the way the rice noodles absorb the savory sauce becoming infused with all the delicious flavors. Whenever I make this pancit my kitchen fills with the most enticing aroma that always draws curious family members to peek into the wok before dinner is served.
Make It Your Own
Pancit welcomes customization based on your preferences or what you have available. Chicken thigh meat works beautifully in place of pork for a different flavor profile. Shrimp adds a wonderful seafood twist and cooks even faster than pork. For a vegetarian version simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock adding extra firm tofu for protein.
Cultural Context
Pancit holds a special place in Filipino celebrations particularly birthdays where the long noodles symbolize long life. This tradition dates back to Chinese influence in Filipino cuisine with each region developing its own variation. Pancit Canton uses thicker wheat noodles while this Pancit Bihon version with rice noodles remains one of the most popular throughout the Philippines.
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Serving Suggestions
In Filipino households pancit is often served with calamansi lime halves on the side which diners squeeze over their portion for a bright citrus finish. If calamansi limes are unavailable regular lime wedges make an excellent substitute. Serve pancit alongside lumpia Filipino spring rolls for an authentic feast or simply enjoy it as a complete meal on its own.
Storage Tips
Allow leftover pancit to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days with flavors actually improving overnight. To reheat add a small splash of water or chicken stock to the pancit before warming in a skillet over medium heat to restore moisture to the noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of noodles are used in Pancit?
Traditionally, rice noodles like Thai Vermicelli are used, but other types of thin noodles may work as substitutes.
- → Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute for pork to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?
Soak the rice noodles according to the package instructions and toss them gently with the cooked mixture to prevent clumping.
- → What vegetables can I add to Pancit?
Common vegetables include cabbage, carrots, and green onions, but you can also add bell peppers, bean sprouts, or snow peas for variety.
- → Is Pancit gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are free from gluten.