Pancit Bihon is a traditional Filipino dish that is loved by many. This tasty stir-fried noodle dish is often served at parties, gatherings, and special occasions. It is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.

There are various versions of Pancit Bihon across the Philippines, but the basic ingredients include rice noodles, chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for both experienced and novice cooks.

To start cooking Pancit Bihon, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. These include rice noodles, chicken breast, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and vegetable oil. Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can begin the cooking process.

First, soak the rice noodles in warm water until they become soft and pliable. Drain the noodles and set them aside. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and sauté them until they become fragrant.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking pancit bihon, it’s important to properly prepare all of the necessary ingredients. Here are the steps to get everything ready:

1. Soaking the Rice Noodles

Rice noodles are the main component of pancit bihon. Begin by soaking the noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes or until they become soft and pliable. Once they are ready, drain the water and set the noodles aside.

2. Chopping the Vegetables

While the rice noodles are soaking, you can start chopping the vegetables. Carrots, cabbage and green beans are commonly used in pancit bihon. Peel and cut the carrots into thin strips. Slice the cabbage thinly. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside the chopped vegetables.

3. Slicing the Meat and Seafood

If you want to add meat or seafood to your pancit bihon, you should prepare them as well. Some commonly used options include chicken breast, shrimp, and chicken liver. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and devein and peel the shrimp. Cut the chicken liver into small pieces. Set aside the sliced meat and seafood.

4. Mincing the Garlic and Onion

Garlic and onion are essential for adding flavor to the pancit bihon. Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the onion. Set aside the minced garlic and chopped onion.

By following these steps and preparing the ingredients in advance, you will be ready to start cooking pancit bihon with ease.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Ingredients

Before you can start cooking pancit bihon, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the key components you’ll need:

Rice Noodles (Bihon)

Bihon is the main ingredient in pancit bihon. It’s a type of translucent rice noodle that is essential for the dish.

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Proteins

Add your choice of protein to the pancit bihon to make it more flavorful and nutritious. Common protein choices include chicken, pork, shrimp, or a combination of these meats.

Vegetables

Pancit bihon is usually packed with vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, celery, and snow peas. These vegetables add color, texture, and vitamins to the dish.

Garnish and Flavorings

To enhance the taste of your pancit bihon, have some garnish and flavorings ready. You can use soy sauce, fish sauce, calamansi or lime, and freshly ground black pepper. Popular garnishes include green onions and fried garlic.

By having all these ingredients prepared and readily available, you’ll be fully equipped to begin the cooking process for your delicious pancit bihon.

Step 2: Soak the Rice Noodles

Before cooking pancit bihon, it is important to soak the rice noodles to ensure that they are cooked properly and have the right texture. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Place the rice noodles in a large bowl.
  2. Pour enough warm water into the bowl to fully submerge the noodles.
  3. Let the noodles soak for about 10-15 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable.
  4. Once the noodles are soaked, drain the water using a colander.
  5. Rinse the noodles under cold running water to remove excess starch.

Now that the rice noodles are soaked and ready to be cooked, you can move on to the next step in preparing delicious pancit bihon!

Cooking the Pancit Bihon

Once you have prepared all the ingredients and soaked the rice noodles, you are ready to start cooking the Pancit Bihon. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook this delicious Filipino dish:

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add cooking oil and heat it up.

2. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant.

3. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent.

4. Push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan and add the marinated chicken or pork. Cook until it is no longer pink.

5. Add the sliced vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.

6. Push all the ingredients to the side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs and cook until they are fully cooked.

7. Mix all the ingredients together in the pan and add the soaked rice noodles. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes.

8. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir to combine all the flavors.

9. Cover the pan and let the noodles cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the liquid.

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10. Taste the Pancit Bihon and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce or salt.

11. Finally, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon or calamansi juice for an extra zing of flavor.

Your Pancit Bihon is now ready to be served and enjoyed with your family and friends! It is a versatile dish that can be eaten on its own or paired with other Filipino favorites like lumpia or fried chicken.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Before you start cooking the pancit bihon, make sure to heat the pan first. This will ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and that the noodles don’t stick to the pan.

Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the pan to heat up for a minute or two until it becomes hot.

Once the pan is hot, add some cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the noodles from sticking and make the dish more flavorful.

Let the oil heat up for about 30 seconds, then add the minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until it becomes fragrant.

Now you’re ready to move on to the next step and start cooking the pancit bihon!

Step 4: Saute the Vegetables and Meat

Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat and add some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic and saute until fragrant and golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the sliced chicken or pork to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink in the center. Stir-fry the meat for about 5 minutes or until it is cooked through and slightly browned.

Once the meat is cooked, add the sliced carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes or until they are slightly softened but still crisp.

Make a well in the center of the pan and add the soaked bihon noodles. Gently mix the noodles with the sauteed vegetables and meat, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Continue to stir-fry the mixture for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the noodles are fully cooked and tender. You can add more soy sauce or seasoning to taste if desired.

Remove the pan from heat and transfer the cooked pancit bihon to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.

Step 5: Add the Rice Noodles and Seasonings

Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the rice noodles. Make sure to soak the noodles in water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the pan. This will help soften them and prevent them from sticking together.

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Once the noodles are ready, drain them and add them to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the vegetables and noodles are well combined.

Seasoning the Dish

Now it’s time to season the pancit bihon. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. These sauces will give the dish its delicious savory flavor.

You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away if you’ve added too much.

Tasting and Adjusting

Before serving, take a moment to taste the pancit bihon and make any necessary adjustments. Depending on your taste, you may want to add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce to enhance the flavors.

Final Touches

Once you’re happy with the seasoning, let the pancit bihon cook for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to come together. Give it a final stir to make sure everything is well mixed.

At this point, your pancit bihon is ready to be served. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and freshly squeezed calamansi juice for an added burst of flavor.

Ingredients Quantity
Rice noodles (bihon) 250 grams
Carrots 1, julienned
Cabbage 1/2 head, shredded
Bell pepper 1, sliced
Garlic 4 cloves, minced
Onion 1, sliced
Chicken or pork, cooked and sliced 1 cup
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Oyster sauce 2 tablespoons
Fish sauce 1 tablespoon
Green onions Sliced, for garnish
Calamansi juice Freshly squeezed, for garnish

Q&A

How long does it take to cook pancit bihon?

It typically takes about 30 minutes to cook pancit bihon. This includes the time for soaking the noodles and preparing the ingredients. The actual cooking time will vary depending on the heat level and the desired tenderness of the ingredients. It is important to stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to ensure that they are cooked evenly. With some practice and experience, you will be able to master the art of cooking pancit bihon in no time!

Can I use other types of noodles for pancit bihon?

Traditionally, pancit bihon is made using bihon noodles, which are thin rice noodles. However, if you cannot find bihon noodles, you can use other types of noodles as a substitute. Some common alternatives include vermicelli noodles or even spaghetti noodles. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may be slightly different when using different types of noodles, so adjust accordingly.

What is pancit bihon?

Pancit bihon is a Filipino dish made of rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and/or seafood. It is a popular noodle dish in the Philippines.