Pancit Bihon Recipe (Filipino Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)
Pancit Bihon is one of the most popular Filipino noodle dishes, made with thin rice noodles, savory sauce, meat, shrimp, and colorful vegetables. Often served during birthdays, fiestas, and family gatherings, this dish symbolizes long life and prosperity. Follow this step-by-step guide to make restaurant-style Pancit Bihon at home.
Menu: Pancit Bihon
Ingredients
- 250 grams bihon noodles (thin rice noodles)
- 200 grams pork, sliced thinly
- 150 grams chicken, sliced thinly
- 100 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup snow peas or green beans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Lemon or calamansi wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice pork, chicken, and vegetables into thin, uniform pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp. Keeping all ingredients ready ensures smooth cooking and prevents overcooking the delicate noodles.
Step 2: Soften the Noodles
Soak bihon noodles in warm water for about 10–15 minutes until they become soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside. Properly softened noodles cook evenly without breaking.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base for the stir-fry.
Step 4: Cook the Meat and Shrimp
Add pork and chicken slices. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until cooked through. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and tender. Removing excess moisture from shrimp prevents soggy noodles.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Stir in carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and snow peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. This ensures a colorful and crunchy texture.
Step 6: Season and Add Sauce
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and ground black pepper. Pour in chicken broth or water to create a light sauce that will coat the noodles evenly.
Step 7: Combine Noodles and Finish Cooking
Add softened bihon noodles and toss gently with the meat, vegetables, and sauce. Cook for 3–5 minutes, ensuring noodles absorb the flavors without sticking. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Once noodles are tender and everything is well combined, remove from heat. Serve hot with lemon or calamansi wedges on the side for added tang and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Pancit Bihon
- Use fresh bihon noodles for better texture and flavor.
- Do not over-soak the noodles; they should remain slightly firm before stir-frying.
- Maintain high heat while stir-frying to preserve vegetable crispness.
- Add a dash of sesame oil for extra aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking noodles – leads to mushy texture.
- Skipping the sauté step – results in flat flavor.
- Adding too much liquid – noodles can become soggy.
- Overcrowding the pan – cook in batches if needed.
Extra Info / Insights
Pancit Bihon is a versatile dish. You can replace meat with tofu or extra seafood for variations. Traditionally, “pancit” represents long life in Filipino culture, making it a staple during birthdays and celebrations. Using colorful vegetables adds visual appeal and nutrients to the dish.
FAQ
- Can I use pre-cooked noodles? – Yes, but stir-fry briefly to avoid overcooking.
- Can I make it vegetarian? – Substitute meat and shrimp with tofu and mushrooms.
- Can I freeze Pancit Bihon? – It’s best served fresh; freezing may make noodles sticky.
- Can I add more vegetables? – Yes, bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn work well.
- What is the difference between Pancit Bihon and Pancit Canton? – Bihon uses thin rice noodles, Canton uses thicker egg noodles.
Internal Links
Related recipes: Pancit Canton, Pancit Luglug
External Link
Learn more about Filipino Pancit: Pancit on Wikipedia
Conclusion
This Pancit Bihon Recipe is a classic Filipino noodle dish with tender meat, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce. Perfect for celebrations or everyday meals, it’s colorful, savory, and easy to make at home.