Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fuss-free meal that promises big flavor and comfort, look no further than this Quick and Easy Pancit. Popular at celebrations yet practical enough for busy weeknights, this Filipino noodle dish wraps together tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and springy rice noodles with savory sauces in under half an hour. With a hint of zest from fresh lemon and a pop of color from green onions, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and packed with joyful, homey flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes this Quick and Easy Pancit shine is the beautifully simple ingredient list. Each item brings something special—whether it’s richness, savoriness, crunch, or color—to turn a staple noodle dish into something that feels like a celebration in every bite. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Vegetable oil: Creates a neutral, smooth foundation for sautéing without overpowering the other bright flavors.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and a warm, irresistible fragrance that sets the stage for the whole dish.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and savory undertones that meld seamlessly with the garlic.
- Carrots: Lend a subtle sweetness and lovely orange hue, plus satisfying crunch.
- Cabbage: Offers mild flavor and wonderful texture, soaking up all those tasty sauces.
- Celery: Contributes freshness and a crisp contrast to the chewy noodles.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Pick your favorite cut; both deliver tender bites of savory protein and soak up sauces beautifully.
- Cooked shrimp (optional): For a little fancy flourish and a hint of sweetness from the sea—purely up to you!
- Soy sauce: Provides salty, umami depth and that traditional Pancit flavor that brings everything together.
- Oyster sauce: Adds glossy richness and a touch of complexity you’ll really notice in each mouthful.
- Sesame oil: Just a dribble gives an earthy fragrance and distinctively nutty finish.
- Ground black pepper: Brings warmth and a subtle kick right where you want it.
- Chicken broth: Keeps your noodles tender and introduces extra savory richness.
- Pancit bihon (rice noodles): The star of the show, offering that iconic chewy, slippery texture unique to Pancit.
- Lemon wedges and chopped green onions: Classic garnishes that lend brightness, color, and a final flash of freshness.
How to Make Quick and Easy Pancit
Step 1: Soak the Rice Noodles
Start by soaking your pancit bihon (rice noodles) in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften and become pliable but not mushy, as they’ll finish cooking with everything else in the skillet. Drain them well once they’re ready and set aside—making sure they’re not sticking together.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. This is where you lay the foundation for all that delicious flavor. Add in the minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté them for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions turn translucent. Resist the urge to rush—gentle sautéing coaxes out their natural sweetness and aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add your thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh pieces into the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook them until they lose their pinkness—usually about 4–5 minutes. The chicken will absorb some of those aromatic flavors from the pan, ensuring each bite is savory and delicious.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
It’s time for the vegetables to join the party—add in the carrots, celery, and cabbage. Stir-fry them for another 3–4 minutes so they’re just tender but still keep their vibrant color and a bit of bite. This balance of textures is a hallmark of great Pancit!
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well and let this flavorful mixture come up to a gentle simmer. The aroma at this stage is pure magic, mingling sweet, salty, and savory notes together.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles
Add your soaked and drained noodles to the pan, tossing everything together until the noodles soak up all those lovely sauces. Use tongs or two forks to gently turn the noodles, making sure they are evenly coated and heated through—about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Shrimp
If you’re adding shrimp, stir them in now. They’re already cooked, so a minute or so is plenty to heat them through without letting them get rubbery. Take a moment to appreciate how everything looks—colorful, glossy, and truly inviting.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Pancit
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle the top of your Quick and Easy Pancit with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and gentle bite. Lemon wedges are a must—squeeze them over just before eating for a burst of brightness that cuts through the savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is lovely on its own, but you can round out your table with Filipino favorites like lumpia (crispy spring rolls), barbecue skewers, or a fresh cucumber salad. The lightness and crunch of these sides contrast beautifully with the savory, comforting noodles, creating a truly festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual nights, serve the Pancit straight from the pan or a large platter so everyone can dig in. If you’re hosting guests, try portioning the noodles into individual bowls, nestling a few shrimp and vibrant veggies on top, and finishing with a twist of lemon and a flourish of green onion. Even a sprinkle of crushed chicharrón (crispy pork rind) adds extra crunch and a fun Filipino twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Quick and Easy Pancit keeps surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually have even more time to meld and deepen!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Pancit, simply portion it into freezer-safe containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, it can last up to a month—ideal for emergency noodle cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the noodles to keep them from drying out, then microwave in short bursts (stirring in between) or warm them in a skillet over medium heat. If you have leftover lemon wedges, refresh the flavors right before serving!
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While traditional Pancit Bihon uses rice noodles, you can substitute with wheat noodles or even glass noodles for a fun twist. Just adjust soaking or cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Easy fix! Skip the chicken and shrimp, and use extra vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and check the label on your oyster sauce for a vegetarian-friendly swap.
Is it necessary to use both soy sauce and oyster sauce?
Both add different dimensions—soy sauce brings that classic salty umami, while oyster sauce gives depth and subtle sweetness. If you only have one, go ahead and use it, but using both really elevates the dish.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Make sure you soak them properly before cooking and toss them gently with tongs in the pan so each strand is coated with sauce. If the noodles still clump, add a splash more broth or water to loosen them up.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! Just use a larger wok or cook in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. Pancit is a party favorite for a reason—it scales up beautifully for any size gathering.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Pancit isn’t just a recipe—it’s the kind of meal that brings friends and family running to the table, forks (or chopsticks) in hand. I hope you give it a try in your own kitchen and experience just how satisfying, colorful, and joyful this dish can be. Here’s to quick cooking, great flavor, and sharing something special!
Print
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for Pancit, a traditional Filipino noodle dish packed with chicken, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.
Ingredients
For the Pancit:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- lemon wedges and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles: In warm water for 10–15 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken, cook until no longer pink.
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and cabbage, cook until tender.
- Season and simmer: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and chicken broth. Simmer.
- Combine and heat through: Toss in noodles, stir until coated and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Add shrimp, if using, cook briefly. Serve with garnishes.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with pork or use only vegetables for a meatless version.
- Adjust the soy and oyster sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
