If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful Filipino dish that comes together with minimal fuss, look no further than Quick and Easy Pancit. This beloved noodle staple fits perfectly into busy weeknights and festive occasions alike, with its colorful medley of veggies, tender chicken, and irresistible savory sauce. Every bite captures that signature harmony of flavors Filipino cuisine Main Course
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick and Easy Pancit lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, creating layers of texture and a rainbow of colors that make this dish so inviting. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why you’ll love each one:
- Pancit bihon (rice noodles): Tangly, soft rice vermicelli soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil like this keeps the stir-fry light and lets the other flavors shine.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic kick and that unmistakable base flavor every good pancit needs.
- Onion: Sweetness and savoriness both, sliced thin so it melds into the noodles.
- Carrots: Their mellow crunch and bright color make every forkful pop.
- Cabbage: Shredded for tenderness and a little earthy sweetness in each bite.
- Green beans: Slightly crisp, they offer a pleasant bite and fresh color.
- Chicken breast: Pre-cooked and shredded, it delivers lean protein and texture.
- Soy sauce: Savory, salty, and loaded with umami—the classic Filipino pantry staple.
- Oyster sauce: Adds richness and depth that makes the sauce cling to noodles.
- Ground black pepper: Just a little peps up the whole dish!
- Chicken broth or water: Loosens the sauce so it soaks nicely into the noodles.
- Lemon wedges: For that signature Filipino touch of brightness right at the end.
- Chopped green onions: They give a pop of color and a gentle oniony bite on top.
How to Make Quick and Easy Pancit
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start your Quick and Easy Pancit by soaking the pancit bihon noodles in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. This softens them up and gets them ready to soak up all the delicious stir-fry flavors. Drain them well and set aside—you won’t believe how silky and perfect they’ll be once you toss them in the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your favorite large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion and sauté for about two minutes. Listen for that sizzle and breathe in the fragrant aroma—this step sets the flavor base for your Quick and Easy Pancit.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Next, add the carrots, green beans, and shredded cabbage. Give everything a good toss and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are just starting to get tender but still have a nice bite. You want them to stay vibrant and a little crisp so the final pancit bursts with color and freshness.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Sauces
Stir in your shredded chicken, then pour over the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fresh ground black pepper, and chicken broth (or water if you’re out of broth). This is where the magic happens as the savory sauce bubbles up and everything starts smelling purely irresistible. Simmer for a minute so the flavors come together.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles
Finally, add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the skillet. Gently toss and turn everything until the noodles are evenly coated and have absorbed the luscious sauce—that’s your Quick and Easy Pancit signature finish. Let the mixture cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, then take the pan off the heat.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Pancit
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A shower of chopped green onions and plenty of lemon wedges bring out the zippy, fresh flavors that make Quick and Easy Pancit so craveable. Squeeze a lemon wedge over your serving for that classic Filipino citrusy burst.
Side Dishes
You really can’t go wrong pairing Quick and Easy Pancit with Filipino favorites like lumpia (crispy spring rolls) or a side of juicy barbecue skewers. Even a simple plate of sliced cucumbers makes a refreshing counterpoint to these tasty noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Quick and Easy Pancit feel extra special by piling the noodles up on a pretty platter and decorating with rings of vibrant vegetables or even sliced boiled eggs. For parties, serve individual portions in little bowls or even cupcake wrappers for a festive, hand-held touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Quick and Easy Pancit (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, it should stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Believe it or not, you can freeze Quick and Easy Pancit! Divide cooled portions into freezer-friendly containers, making sure the noodles are covered to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, just toss leftovers into a skillet with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently until heated through. This wakes up the flavors and plumps up the rice noodles again—no one will guess you made it ahead!
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in Quick and Easy Pancit?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for swapping in shrimp, pork, or even extra tofu if you want to keep it vegetarian. Just make sure any meat is cooked and shredded or sliced thinly before adding it in.
What if I can’t find pancit bihon noodles?
Pancit bihon is traditional, but you can use glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) or even thin rice stick noodles in a pinch. Just soak and drain according to package instructions, and keep an eye on cooking times as some noodles soften faster than others.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes! Double-check that your soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free (there are lots of options available now), and you’ve got a gluten-free Quick and Easy Pancit ready to go.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
The key is to soak the noodles just until pliable—not fully cooked—and then only cook them in the sauce until they’ve absorbed the liquid. Toss gently and avoid over-stirring, and you’ll have the perfect noodle texture every time.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Pancit is endlessly customizable. Try adding snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby corn for extra crunch and a pretty presentation. It’s a fun way to clean out your fridge and make every batch unique.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing a plateful of Quick and Easy Pancit—whether it’s at a festive family gathering or a laid-back weeknight dinner. So gather your ingredients, give this recipe a go, and don’t be surprised if it earns a regular spot in your kitchen repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick and Easy Pancit recipe is a delicious Filipino noodle dish packed with vegetables, chicken, and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
8 ounces pancit bihon (rice noodles)
Vegetables:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (sliced), 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup sliced green beans
Protein:
1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Liquid:
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Garnish:
Lemon wedges and chopped green onions
Instructions
- Soak the Rice Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots, green beans, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Toss with Noodles: Add drained noodles and toss gently to combine. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and lemon wedges before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp or pork for the chicken.
- Add a splash of fish sauce for more umami flavor.
- Pancit is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
