Pancit Bihon Guisado Recipe Easy Filipino Noodle Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon is a staple in Filipino kitchens, offering a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s full of flavor and fun to make. This easy Pancit Bihon guisado recipe brings together rice noodles and fresh veggies for a dish that’s not only tasty but also quick to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student, you’ll appreciate how this Filipino noodle stir fry fits into your daily routine with minimal fuss.

Beyond its simplicity, Pancit Bihon stands out for its health perks, packed with nutrients from colorful vegetables and lean proteins. Imagine whipping up a meal in under an hour that provides a balance of carbs, proteins, and vitamins to keep you energized. This recipe is versatile too, adapting to various tastes and dietary needs, making it ideal for families or solo cooks looking for something reliable.

• Ease of preparation: This Pancit Bihon recipe takes just 55 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weekdays. You can have a hot meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for home cooks who want quick Filipino noodle dishes that don’t require advanced skills.
• Health benefits: Each serving delivers about 240 calories, with 23g of carbs for energy, 13g of protein for muscle repair, and plenty of vitamins like Vitamin C and A from the veggies. It’s a nutritious choice that helps you stay full and healthy, especially if you’re focused on balanced meals without overdoing fats or sodium.
• Versatility: Adapt this dish to fit different diets, from vegan swaps to low-calorie tweaks, so everyone at the table can enjoy it. Whether you’re a student experimenting in a small apartment or a working professional prepping ahead, Pancit Bihon easily adjusts to what’s in your fridge.
• Distinctive flavor: The mix of savory soy sauce, garlic, and a squeeze of calamansi gives this Pancit Bihon its unique, tangy taste that sets it apart from other noodle stir fries. It’s commonly served during special occasions, paired with white bread or lumpiang shanghai for a complete Filipino feast that feels festive yet simple.

This easy Filipino noodle stir fry not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a taste of tradition to your table. For more on how Filipino dishes can brighten your meals, check out our Filipino sides guide to enhance your cooking adventures.

Essential Ingredients for Pancit Bihon

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Pancit Bihon guisado. This section lists everything you need for a recipe that serves 8, with precise measurements and quick notes on why each one matters. Using fresh, quality items will help you create that authentic Filipino flavor without much effort.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb pancit bihon (rice noodles) – These thin rice sticks form the base of the dish, soaking up flavors and providing a mild, gluten-free noodle texture.
• 1/2 lb pork, cut into small thin slices – Adds protein and a savory depth that makes the stir fry hearty and satisfying.
• 1/2 lb chicken, cooked, deboned, and cut into thin slices – Brings tender protein to the mix, enhancing the overall nutrition and taste.
• 1/8 lb snow peas – Offer a crisp, fresh crunch and a boost of vitamins, keeping the veggies vibrant and colorful.
• 1 cup carrot, sliced – Provides sweetness and fiber, plus a good dose of Vitamin A for eye health.
• 1/2 small cabbage, chopped – Bulk up the dish with low-calorie greens that add volume and a slight crunch.
• 1 cup celery leaves, finely chopped – Infuse a fresh, aromatic note that balances the richer flavors.
• 1 onion, chopped – Builds the base flavor with its pungent kick when sautéed.
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced – Delivers that essential aromatic punch to start the stir fry off right.
• 2 teaspoons chicken powder – Enhances the broth with umami, making the noodles flavorful and cohesive.
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds the signature salty tang that ties all the ingredients together.
• 3 to 4 cups water – Serves as the broth base to simmer and soften everything perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil – Helps sauté the ingredients evenly for a non-sticking, golden result.

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Replace the pork and chicken with tofu for a plant-based protein that keeps the dish filling; use vegan broth instead of chicken powder.
• Gluten-free: Stick with the rice noodles as they are naturally gluten-free, and opt for tamari in place of soy sauce if needed.
• Low-calorie: Cut back on oil to 2 tablespoons and increase veggies like cabbage and carrots to boost volume without adding extra calories.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pancit Bihon: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Pancit Bihon at home is straightforward and fun, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful Filipino noodle stir fry. This easy Pancit Bihon recipe guides you through each step, ensuring even beginners can create a dish that’s ready in about 55 minutes. Start by organizing your workspace for the best results.

First Step: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by soaking 1 lb of pancit bihon in water for about 10 minutes to soften the noodles, which makes them easy to stir fry later. While the noodles soak, chop your vegetables and proteins: slice 1/2 lb pork and 1/2 lb chicken into thin pieces, chop 1/2 small cabbage, slice 1 cup carrot, and prepare 1/8 lb snow peas and 1 cup celery leaves. This mise en place keeps everything organized and speeds up cooking.

Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 chopped onion, sautéing until they turn fragrant and golden, which takes about 1-2 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base that infuses the entire dish with that classic Pancit Bihon taste.

Third Step: Cook the Proteins

Add the sliced pork and chicken to the wok and cook for about 2 minutes until they brown nicely, stirring to ensure even cooking. This helps lock in the juices and adds a hearty texture to your easy Filipino noodle stir fry.

Fourth Step: Simmer the Broth

Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chicken powder and pour in 3 to 4 cups of water, then bring it to a simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a savory broth that the noodles will absorb.

Fifth Step: Add the Vegetables

Mix in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, snow peas, and celery leaves, simmering for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the meat and veggies from the pot, leaving the liquid behind to keep their colors and textures intact.

Sixth Step: Incorporate the Sauce and Noodles

Stir in 5 tablespoons of soy sauce to the remaining liquid in the pot for that tangy flavor. Drain the soaked pancit bihon and add it to the pot, mixing well and cooking until the liquid evaporates and the noodles are evenly coated, about 5-7 minutes.

Final Step: Combine and Serve

Return the meat and vegetables to the pot and simmer for another minute or two to heat everything through. Serve your Pancit Bihon hot, optionally with a squeeze of calamansi for extra tang, and pair it with white bread or lumpiang shanghai for a complete meal. For more inspiration on Filipino recipes, visit this Pancit recipe from Pickled Plum.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pancit Bihon

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If pork or chicken isn’t on hand, swap them for shrimp or beef slices to keep the dish protein-packed and flavorful. For a lighter option, use more veggies like mushrooms in place of meat, which works well for those watching their calories. Always adjust cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Try snap peas instead of snow peas for a similar crunch, or add bell peppers for extra color if you want a non-traditional twist. Switch soy sauce for a low-sodium version to cut back on salt, and experiment with herbs like basil for a fresh seasoning variation that suits seasonal ingredients.

Mastering Pancit Bihon: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your Pancit Bihon guisado to the next level, focus on pro cooking techniques like stir-frying at high heat for that perfect noodle texture. For flavor variations, add thinly sliced Chinese sausage when sautéing meats to bring in extra smokiness. Presentation tips include garnishing with fresh herbs to make your dish look as good as it tastes.

• Pro cooking techniques: Keep stirring constantly to avoid sticking, and use a large wok for even heat distribution.
• Flavor variations: Mix in bell peppers for a colorful boost, though it’s not traditional, or opt for snap peas as a substitute.
• Presentation tips: Serve in a wide bowl with calamansi on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
• Make-ahead options: Prep veggies the night before to save time, making it easy for busy parents or working professionals.

Learn more about health benefits in this health guide on chicken.

How to Store Pancit Bihon: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Pancit Bihon fresh and tasty for later. For short-term needs, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container right after cooling. When freezing, portion it into bags for up to 2 months to maintain quality.

• Refrigeration: Store at room temperature for up to 2 hours, then keep in the fridge for 3-5 days to preserve flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze in sealed bags and thaw before reheating to avoid dryness.
• Reheating: Use a microwave with a damp towel or stir-fry with a bit of water for 3-5 minutes.
• Meal prep considerations: Batch cook for the week, adding fresh veggies when reheating for extra crunch.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon

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🍜 Dive into Pancit Bihon Guisado, a fiber-rich Filipino noodle stir fry loaded with veggies and lean proteins for a balanced, energizing meal that’s quick and customizable.
🥢 This easy noodle dish brings authentic savory flavors with soy and garlic, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful way to enjoy Filipino heritage without complexity.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 1 lb pancit bihon (rice noodles)

– 1/2 lb pork, cut into small thin slices

– 1/2 lb chicken, cooked, deboned, and cut into thin slices

– 1/8 lb snow peas

– 1 cup carrot, sliced

– 1/2 small cabbage, chopped

– 1 cup celery leaves, finely chopped

– 1 onion, chopped

– 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced

– 2 teaspoons chicken powder

– 5 tablespoons soy sauce

– 3 to 4 cups water

– 3 tablespoons cooking oil

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare the Ingredients Begin by soaking 1 lb of pancit bihon in water for about 10 minutes to soften the noodles, which makes them easy to stir fry later. While the noodles soak, chop your vegetables and proteins: slice 1/2 lb pork and 1/2 lb chicken into thin pieces, chop 1/2 small cabbage, slice 1 cup carrot, and prepare 1/8 lb snow peas and 1 cup celery leaves. This mise en place keeps everything organized and speeds up cooking.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 chopped onion, sautéing until they turn fragrant and golden, which takes about 1-2 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base that infuses the entire dish with that classic Pancit Bihon taste.

3-Third Step: Cook the Proteins Add the sliced pork and chicken to the wok and cook for about 2 minutes until they brown nicely, stirring to ensure even cooking. This helps lock in the juices and adds a hearty texture to your easy Filipino noodle stir fry.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer the Broth Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chicken powder and pour in 3 to 4 cups of water, then bring it to a simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a savory broth that the noodles will absorb.

5-Fifth Step: Add the Vegetables Mix in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, snow peas, and celery leaves, simmering for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the meat and veggies from the pot, leaving the liquid behind to keep their colors and textures intact.

6-Sixth Step: Incorporate the Sauce and Noodles Stir in 5 tablespoons of soy sauce to the remaining liquid in the pot for that tangy flavor. Drain the soaked pancit bihon and add it to the pot, mixing well and cooking until the liquid evaporates and the noodles are evenly coated, about 5-7 minutes.

7-Final Step: Combine and Serve Return the meat and vegetables to the pot and simmer for another minute or two to heat everything through. Serve your Pancit Bihon hot, optionally with a squeeze of calamansi for extra tang, and pair it with white bread or lumpiang shanghai for a complete meal. For more inspiration on Filipino recipes, visit this Pancit recipe from Pickled Plum.

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Notes

🌶️ Add thinly sliced Chinese sausage when sautéing the meats for an extra burst of savory, smoky flavor that elevates the traditional taste.
🥦 Avoid overcooking the vegetables to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring a fresh contrast to the soft noodles.
🍋 Serve with fresh calamansi or lime wedges to add a tangy zing that brightens the dish and balances the savory soy base.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Filipino
• Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 845mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.03g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 42mg