Pancit bihon is a popular Filipino noodle dish that is commonly served during special occasions and gatherings. It is made with thin rice noodles, also known as bihon, and a variety of vegetables, meat, and seafood.
To cook pancit bihon, start by sautéing garlic and onions in a large pan or wok. This base provides a fragrant and flavorful foundation for the dish. Then, add your choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, or shrimp, and cook until they are cooked through.
Next, add the vegetables, which can include carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and green beans. Stir-fry them until they are slightly softened, but still crisp. This adds texture and freshness to the dish. You can also add some soy sauce and oyster sauce for additional flavor.
Tip: To add a hint of sweetness, you can also include some sliced onions and garlic to caramelize, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Finally, add the soaked pancit bihon noodles to the pan and mix them with the other ingredients. Keep stirring until the noodles are evenly coated and cooked. The noodles should be soft and chewy, but not mushy.
Pancit bihon is served hot and can be garnished with some chopped green onions and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice for a tangy kick. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many Filipinos all over the world.
Preparation for Cooking Pancit Bihon
Before you start cooking pancit bihon, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free cooking experience:
- Prepare the noodles: Soak the pancit bihon noodles in water until they become soft, usually around 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the vegetables required for the recipe, such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and green onions. Make sure to remove any seeds or tough ends before cutting them into thin slices or julienne.
- Prepare the protein: If you are using any type of meat or seafood in your pancit bihon, make sure to clean and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Season the meat or seafood with salt and pepper or any desired marinade.
- Prepare the broth or sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. This will be used to add flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Prepare the garnishes: Prepare any garnishes or toppings you plan to use, such as calamansi wedges, crushed garlic, or fried garlic. These will enhance the taste and presentation of your pancit bihon.
Once you have completed all the necessary preparations, you are ready to start cooking your delicious pancit bihon. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and enjoy the process of creating a mouthwatering Filipino dish!
Gather Ingredients
To cook pancit bihon, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of bihon noodles
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cabbage, shredded
- 8 ounces of chicken breast, sliced
- 8 ounces of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas, depending on your preference.
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Soak the Rice Noodles
To start preparing pancit bihon, you will need to soak the rice noodles first. This step is essential as it allows the noodles to soften and become more pliable for cooking.
Here’s how to properly soak rice noodles:
Step 1: Prepare a Large Bowl
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it may overcook the noodles.
Step 2: Add the Rice Noodles
Gently place the dried rice noodles into the bowl of warm water. Make sure the noodles are fully submerged.
Step 3: Soak the Noodles
Allow the noodles to soak in the warm water for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the noodles will absorb the water and become soft and translucent.
Step 4: Test the Noodles
To check if the noodles are ready, take a piece and taste it. The noodles should be tender but still slightly firm. If they are still too hard, continue soaking for a few more minutes.
Once the rice noodles are properly soaked, drain them well before using them in your pancit bihon recipe. Now you’re ready to start cooking the delicious pancit bihon!
Chop the Vegetables
To start making pancit bihon, it is important to chop the vegetables. Here are the vegetables you will need:
- Carrots – 2 medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
- Cabbage – 1 small head, shredded
- Green beans – 1 cup, sliced into small pieces
- Bell pepper – 1 medium-sized, thinly sliced
- Onion – 1 medium-sized, minced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Take the carrots and thinly slice them into small pieces. Shred the cabbage into thin strips. Slice the green beans into small pieces. Thinly slice the bell pepper and mince the onion and garlic.
Having all the vegetables prepared and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Prepare the Meat and Seafood
Pancit bihon is traditionally made with a combination of meat and seafood, adding depth and flavor to the dish. Here is a list of the ingredients:
- 1/2 pound boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 pound pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
To prepare the meat and seafood for the pancit bihon, start by marinating the chicken, pork, and shrimp with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Chicken and Pork
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Stir fry the chicken and pork until they are no longer pink and have a lightly browned color. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and pork from the pan and set them aside.
Shrimp
In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and stir fry the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Once the meat and seafood are cooked, they are ready to be added to the pancit bihon during the cooking process. This combination of chicken, pork, and shrimp will give the pancit bihon a delicious and satisfying taste.
Cooking Pancit Bihon
Pancit bihon is a delicious Filipino noodle dish that is commonly served at birthdays and special occasions. It is made with thin rice noodles, meat, vegetables, and various seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Here is a simple recipe to guide you in cooking pancit bihon:
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- 200 grams of chicken, sliced into thin strips
- 200 grams of pork, sliced into thin strips
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cabbage, shredded
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the pancit bihon in water for about 10 minutes or until it softens. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chicken and pork, and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the carrots and cabbage, and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly cooked.
- Add the soaked pancit bihon to the wok and toss with the other ingredients.
- Cook for a few more minutes until the noodles are fully cooked and all the flavors are well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pancit bihon is best enjoyed with calamansi or lemon slices on the side, and paired with some Filipino-style spring rolls or lumpiang shanghai. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Sauté the Meat and Seafood
To start cooking pancit bihon, you will need to sauté the meat and seafood. The most commonly used meats for pancit bihon are chicken, pork, and shrimp. Here’s how you can sauté them:
- Heat a cooking pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add oil and let it heat up.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink in the middle.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the pork slices and cook until they are crispy and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked pork from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
- Add some more oil to the pan and add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside with the other cooked meats.
Now that the meat and seafood are cooked, you can proceed to the next step in making pancit bihon.
FAQ
What is pancit bihon?
Pancit bihon is a Filipino noodle dish made with rice noodles, mixed vegetables, and meat. It is a popular dish in Filipino cuisine and is often served during celebrations and special occasions.
Can I substitute the rice noodles in pancit bihon with other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute the rice noodles in pancit bihon with other types of noodles like egg noodles or wheat noodles. However, the taste and texture of the dish may vary slightly.
What vegetables can I use in pancit bihon?
You can use a variety of vegetables in pancit bihon such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, snow peas, and green beans. These vegetables add flavor, color, and texture to the dish.
How long does it take to cook pancit bihon?
The cooking time for pancit bihon may vary depending on the recipe and the amount of ingredients used. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook pancit bihon from start to finish.
Can I make pancit bihon ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pancit bihon ahead of time. However, it is best to reheat the dish before serving to ensure that the noodles are still soft and the flavors are well-blended. You can simply reheat it in a pan or microwave it.
What is pancit bihon?
Pancit bihon is a Filipino noodle dish made with bihon noodles, vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. It is a popular and traditional dish in the Philippines.