Pancit Bihon is a flavorful noodle dish that has become a staple in Filipino households and is a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Pancit Bihon has its roots deeply embedded in Philippine culture. The term “Pancit” itself refers to various noodle dishes, while “Bihon” specifically denotes the use of rice noodles. This dish showcases the fusion of Chinese and Filipino culinary influences, tracing back to the trade relationships between the two nations centuries ago.
Pancit Bihon typically includes thin rice noodles, succulent pieces of chicken, pork, or shrimp, and an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and green beans. Flavorful elements like soy sauce, garlic, onions, and a squeeze of citrus add depth to the dish. The noodles are stir-fried in a wok or large pan, allowing the flavors to meld together while maintaining the noodles’ texture.
What sets Pancit Bihon apart is its light taste balanced with the natural sweetness of vegetables and the umami flavor of the meat. The dish boasts a beautiful medley of textures, with the noodles providing a tender bite, and the vegetables adding a delightful crunch. Some variations of Pancit Bihon incorporate additional ingredients such as sliced sausages, hard-boiled eggs, or even tofu, allowing for a range of flavors and adaptations to suit individual preferences.
The dish is traditionally served family-style on a large platter heaped with steaming noodles and garnished with fresh calamansi or lemon wedges. It is often accompanied by soy sauce and chili flakes on the side, allowing each diner to customize the flavors to their liking.
Pancit Bihon’s delicate flavors, vibrant colors, and cultural significance make it a true gem in Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a taste of authentic Filipino flavors or simply looking to explore a new and delicious dish, Pancit Bihon is one to try.
Recipe: Pancit Bihon
Ingredients:
- 250g thin rice noodles (Bihon)
- 250g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 small cabbage, shredded
- 100g green beans, sliced diagonally
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Juice of 1 calamansi or lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Soak the rice noodles (Bihon) in water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.
- In a large wok or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chicken breast strips to the pan and cook until they are no longer pink. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
- Push the cooked chicken and shrimp to one side of the pan and add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans to the other side. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables in the pan, and then add the soaked rice noodles (Bihon). Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss well to coat all the ingredients.
- Continue cooking and stirring for another 5-7 minutes until the noodles are fully cooked and the flavors are well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pan from heat and transfer the Pancit Bihon to a large serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve the Pancit Bihon hot and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a feast alongside other Filipino dishes.
Note: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as sliced sausages, tofu, or additional vegetables according to your taste and preference.
