Filipino Pancit is one of the most beloved and iconic noodle dishes from the Philippines. Known for its irresistible combination of tender rice noodles, savory sauce, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked chicken, Filipino Pancit is a flavorful centerpiece at celebrations, family dinners, and potlucks. Whether you’ve tasted it at a party or are discovering it for the first time, this dish brings comfort and culture to your plate in every bite.
Making a homemade Filipino Pancit recipe might sound intimidating, but it’s actually incredibly beginner-friendly. With a few fresh ingredients and a good stir-fry technique, you’ll master how to make Filipino Pancit in no time. This noodle dish is not only satisfying but also adaptable to your preferences—customize the veggies, spice level, and protein as you like!
By the end of this post, you’ll know how to make Filipino Pancit that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a make-ahead meal. Let’s dive into the heart of Filipino cuisine with this warm, colorful, and flavor-packed dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Full of Flavor: The harmony of garlic, soy sauce, and vegetables delivers classic Filipino taste in every forkful.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on what you have—this Filipino Pancit recipe welcomes creativity.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From daily meals to special gatherings, Pancit fits every table with ease.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make this authentic Filipino Pancit:
For the noodles & protein:
- 8 oz rice noodles (bihon)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Vegetables & aromatics:
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup green beans, sliced diagonally
- 1/2 small cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oil & seasoning:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon or calamansi wedges, for garnish
This combination creates the perfect base for a savory Filipino Pancit recipe that’s bright, satisfying, and rooted in tradition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Filipino Pancit at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to achieve an authentic and satisfying noodle dish.
1. Soften the Rice Noodles
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for about 10–15 minutes until softened but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Do not over-soak—this helps the noodles hold their texture when stir-fried later.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Using chicken in this Filipino Pancit recipe provides a tender, flavorful protein that pairs well with the noodles and vegetables.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
This step builds the savory base for your Filipino Pancit.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the carrots, green beans, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, then add the shredded cabbage and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until just tender.
The vegetables in a Filipino Pancit recipe bring both texture and color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
5. Add Sauces and Broth
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
The sauce in this Filipino Pancit balances umami with a touch of sweetness—key to that authentic taste.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained rice noodles and toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Now you’ve learned how to make Filipino Pancit in a truly authentic way—savory, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.
7. Serve and Garnish
Transfer to a large serving platter. Garnish with lemon or calamansi wedges and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pancit
Pro Tips
- Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by buying pre-shredded cabbage and pre-julienned carrots.
- Cut everything thinly: Thin cuts ensure even cooking and a better texture in your Filipino Pancit.
- Stir-fry quickly: Keep your ingredients moving in the pan to avoid sogginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the noodles: This leads to mushy Pancit, which can ruin the texture.
- Crowding the pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to avoid steaming your ingredients.
- Overcooking vegetables: Keep them slightly crisp for that signature Pancit bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store leftover Filipino Pancit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the noodles and microwave covered for 1–2 minutes. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
This Filipino Pancit recipe is just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch leftovers.
Nutritional Info per Serving
Here’s a general breakdown of nutrition for one serving of Filipino Pancit (based on a 6-serving yield):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
These values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used in your Filipino Pancit recipe.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Filipino Pancit is incredibly versatile. While it shines on its own, here are a few ways to serve and switch it up:
Serving Ideas:
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner.
- Offer it as a main dish with lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and dipping sauce.
- Pair with a citrusy cucumber salad to balance the savory noodles.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pancit: Skip the meat and double the veggies or add tofu.
- Seafood Pancit: Substitute shrimp or squid for chicken.
- Spicy Pancit: Add sliced chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce for heat.
This Filipino Pancit recipe is a canvas for creativity—adjust the ingredients to fit your taste and occasion.
Looking to expand your noodle game? After trying this Filipino Pancit recipe, check out our bold and spicy Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a totally different flavor twist that’s equally satisfying.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Filipino Pancit, it’s time to bring the joy of this classic noodle dish to your own kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or just craving a comforting bowl of stir-fried noodles, this recipe delivers on flavor, ease, and authenticity.
We’d love to hear how your Filipino Pancit turned out! Leave a comment, share your variations, or tag us in your food photos. Your feedback brings the community together—just like this timeless dish.
FAQs
What kind of noodles are used in Filipino Pancit?
Most commonly, rice vermicelli noodles (bihon) are used in Filipino Pancit. They’re thin, light, and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I use other vegetables in this Filipino Pancit recipe?
Absolutely! Pancit is very adaptable. Try adding snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for added variety.
How long does it take to make Filipino Pancit?
From prep to plate, this dish takes about 35–40 minutes. It’s quick enough for weeknight meals but special enough for celebrations.
Is Filipino Pancit eaten hot or cold?
It’s traditionally served hot, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature or reheated with a splash of broth.
Can I freeze Filipino Pancit?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to one month. Reheat gently to restore texture.
Filipino Pancit
Ingredients
- – 8 oz rice noodles bihon
- – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- – 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast thinly sliced
- – 1 small onion finely chopped
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 cup green beans thinly sliced
- – 1 cup carrots julienned
- – 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- – 2 cups cabbage shredded
- – 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- – 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- – 1 cup chicken broth
- – Salt and black pepper to taste
- – Lemon or calamansi wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10–15 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok. Cook chicken slices until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, add remaining oil. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add carrots, green beans, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add cabbage and cook until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan. Add noodles and toss gently until fully combined and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning. Serve hot with lemon or calamansi wedges.
Notes
• You can use shrimp or tofu as a protein substitute.
• For a vegetarian version, omit meat and increase vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth. Recipe variations
• Serve with lumpia or egg rolls for a complete meal.
• Try adding snap peas or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
• Make it spicy with a few slices of red chili. Recipe tips
• Slice all vegetables thinly to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid over-soaking the noodles to prevent mushiness.
• Stir-fry quickly over high heat to maintain a fresh texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
• Taste and adjust seasoning after combining all ingredients. Recipe conclusion
Try this Filipino Pancit recipe today and bring the comforting flavors of the Philippines to your table. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your own version on social media!
