Filipino Pancit is a beloved traditional noodle dish that is a staple at Filipino gatherings and celebrations. Known for its vibrant mix of vegetables, tender meat, and flavorful seasonings, Pancit is often served to symbolize long life and good fortune, making it a go-to dish for birthdays, family reunions, and holidays.
This version of Filipino Pancit features a base of vermicelli rice noodles, which are light and delicate, soaking up the savory sauce made from soy and chicken stock. The dish is complemented by juicy pork chops, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet it delivers a rich, satisfying taste that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or looking for a quick and easy way to bring a taste of the Philippines into your home, this Pancit recipe will surely satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8.8 ounces) Thai Vermicelli rice noodles (or other thin rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 pound pork chops (about 4 chops, sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots (thinly sliced or julienned)
- 3 green onions, diced (for garnish)
- Kosher salt and cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
Start by soaking the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package directions. Rice noodles typically require soaking in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Slice the Pork and Vegetables:
While the noodles are soaking, slice the pork chops into bite-sized pieces. You want the pork to be small enough to cook quickly but large enough to add a hearty bite to the dish. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and prepare the carrots and cabbage by slicing them thinly.
3. Cook the Pork and Aromatics:
In a wok or large sauté pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork slices to the pan, followed by the diced onion, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the pork is browned on all sides. The onions should become translucent and fragrant during this time. Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked pepper.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Pour the chicken stock into the pan with the pork, onions, and garlic. The stock will help deglaze the pan, picking up all the delicious bits of flavor stuck to the bottom. Immediately add the shredded cabbage and sliced carrots to the pan. Toss the ingredients together and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Incorporate the Noodles:
Once the vegetables have softened, add the soaked rice noodles to the pan. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the noodles with the pork and vegetable mixture, making sure everything is well combined and coated in the sauce. The noodles should absorb the soy sauce and chicken stock, becoming infused with flavor. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
After everything is thoroughly combined, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the diced green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Pancit hot and enjoy immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Pancit pairs beautifully with a variety of Filipino side dishes. You can serve it alongside Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) or Adobo for a traditional meal.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon or calamansi juice over the Pancit adds a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread or Rice: For an extra hearty meal, serve the Pancit with steamed rice or slices of crusty bread to help soak up the sauce.
- Protein Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can substitute the pork with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Helpful Tips:
- Noodle Choice: While vermicelli rice noodles are the traditional choice, you can also use bihon (thin rice noodles) or canton (egg noodles) for a different texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the soaking or cooking time depending on the type of noodles used.
- Protein Variations: Pancit is highly versatile, so feel free to substitute the pork with chicken breast, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Options: Pancit can be customized to include other vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to slice the vegetables thinly so they cook evenly.
- Low Sodium Alternative: To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce used and supplement with extra lime juice for flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Pancit a few hours ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pan to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is relatively low in fat and packed with protein, thanks to the pork, while the cabbage and carrots provide a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins. The rice noodles offer a satisfying carbohydrate base without being too heavy.
Time Breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion:
The Filipino Pancit is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, comforting dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a quick and easy meal to satisfy the family, this Pancit recipe is sure to hit the spot.
With its tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful rice noodles, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a staple recipe that you can adapt to suit any occasion. Enjoy the tastes of the Philippines with this delicious Filipino Pancit, and don’t forget to serve it with a side of fresh lemon for that extra zing!
Recipe Card
Filipino Pancit Recipe
Ingredients
- – **1 package 8.8 ounces Thai Vermicelli rice noodles** (or other thin rice noodles)
- – **2 tablespoons canola oil** or any neutral cooking oil
- – **1 pound pork chops** about 4 chops, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- – **1 yellow onion diced**
- – **6 cloves garlic minced**
- – **2 tablespoons soy sauce**
- – **1 cup chicken stock** low sodium if preferred
- – **2 cups shredded cabbage**
- – **1/2 cup sliced carrots** thinly sliced or julienned
- – **3 green onions diced** (for garnish)
- – **Kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste**
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Start by soaking the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package directions. Rice noodles typically require soaking in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Slice the Pork and Vegetables:
- While the noodles are soaking, slice the pork chops into bite-sized pieces. You want the pork to be small enough to cook quickly but large enough to add a hearty bite to the dish. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and prepare the carrots and cabbage by slicing them thinly.
3. Cook the Pork and Aromatics:
- In a wok or large sauté pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork slices to the pan, followed by the diced onion, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the pork is browned on all sides. The onions should become translucent and fragrant during this time. Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked pepper.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- Pour the chicken stock into the pan with the pork, onions, and garlic. The stock will help deglaze the pan, picking up all the delicious bits of flavor stuck to the bottom. Immediately add the shredded cabbage and sliced carrots to the pan. Toss the ingredients together and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Incorporate the Noodles:
- Once the vegetables have softened, add the soaked rice noodles to the pan. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the noodles with the pork and vegetable mixture, making sure everything is well combined and coated in the sauce. The noodles should absorb the soy sauce and chicken stock, becoming infused with flavor. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- After everything is thoroughly combined, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the diced green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Pancit hot and enjoy immediately.