Pancit Bihon (Filipino Rice Noodles)

Pancit Bihon is a traditional Filipino noodle dish made with thin rice noodles, meat, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a popular and versatile dish often served at celebrations, gatherings, and family meals throughout the Philippines. Here’s a bit more about it:

Pancit Bihon typically features rice vermicelli noodles as its base, which are stir-fried with a combination of ingredients such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, along with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, green beans, and bell peppers. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes oyster sauce or fish sauce to enhance its savory flavor.

The dish is known for its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and savory taste. It’s often garnished with sliced green onions, calamansi or lemon wedges, and hard-boiled eggs for added flavor and presentation.

Pancit Bihon is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is enjoyed year-round, but it’s particularly popular during special occasions such as birthdays, fiestas, and holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s believed to symbolize long life and prosperity, making it a common choice for celebrations and gatherings.

This dish showcases the influence of Chinese cuisine on Filipino cooking, as noodles are often associated with longevity and are commonly served during festive occasions in Chinese culture as well. However, Pancit Bihon has evolved over time to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in a uniquely Filipino dish cherished by many.

In summary, Pancit Bihon is a delicious and comforting noodle dish that holds a special place in Filipino culinary tradition. Its rich flavors, colorful presentation, and cultural significance make it a beloved dish enjoyed by Filipinos both at home and abroad.

Pancit Bihon (Filipino Rice Noodles)

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: MainCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Pancit Bihon is a traditional Filipino noodle dish made with thin rice noodles, meat, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) rice vermicelli noodles (bihon)

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 2 carrots, julienned

• 1 small cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup sliced green beans

• 1 cup sliced cooked chicken or shrimp (optional for added protein)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 cups chicken broth or water

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Calamansi or lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn it.
• Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
• Incorporate the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans into the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
• If using cooked chicken or shrimp, add it to the pan and cook until heated through.
• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked vegetables and protein. Stir-fry for a minute or so to evenly coat everything.
• Add the cooked rice vermicelli noodles to the pan. Toss and mix well with the vegetables and sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth or water to moisten the noodles. Cook for a few minutes until the noodles have absorbed the flavors and become tender.
• Season with ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce, if desired.
• Once everything is well combined and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat.
• Serve Pancit Bihon hot, garnished with calamansi or lemon wedges for a citrusy tang if desired.

Pancit Bihon makes a delightful and hearty meal on its own or can be served as a side dish alongside other Filipino favorites. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this beloved dish!

Pancit Bihon is typically enjoyed as a main course in Filipino cuisine. It is a hearty and flavorful noodle dish that can be a satisfying meal on its own. It is often served during special occasions, celebrations, or simply as a comforting and delicious meal for the family.

The combination of rice vermicelli noodles, vegetables, and protein (such as chicken or shrimp) makes it a well-rounded and fulfilling dish. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

However, please note that its versatility allows it to be served as a side dish alongside other Filipino favorites during larger meals or gatherings. It can complement other main courses and provide a delightful variety of flavors on the table.

Other PASTA and NOODLES recipes may be found HERE.

IMAGE SOURCE: Joost Nusselder, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons