Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, quick, and packed with flavor, Quick and Easy Pancit with simple, easy-to-find ingredients and clear quantities—perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!

What is Pancit?

Pancit (pronounced pan-sit) comes from the Hokkien Chinese term pian e sit, meaning “something conveniently cooked fast.” Over time, it became a staple of Filipino cuisine, prepared at celebrations like birthdays (for long life!) and everyday meals.

Today, Pancit has countless variations, but its heart remains the same: a hearty noodle dish filled with savory meats, vibrant vegetables, and rich, umami-packed flavors.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Pancit (Good for 4-6 people)

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles (Pancit Bihon) — place in warm water and soak for about 10 minutes until softened, then drain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic — minced
• 1 medium onion — chopped
• 200g (7 oz) chicken breast or thigh — sliced thinly
• 100g (3.5 oz) shrimp — peeled and deveined (optional but delicious)
• 1 cup carrots — julienned
• 1 cup cabbage — thinly sliced
• ½ cup celery — sliced diagonally
• ½ cup green beans or snow peas — optional for added crunch
• ¼ cup light soy sauce (or regular if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 cup chicken stock (or plain water as an alternative)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Calamansi or lemon wedges — for serving
• Green onions — chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook the perfect Quick and Easy Pancit:

1. Soak and Prepare Noodles

Immerse the rice noodles fully in a bowl filled with warm water. Allow them to soak for 10–15 minutes until they soften, then drain thoroughly and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Set a wok or large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions until they soften and release their fragrance, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Cook the Proteins

Add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until no longer pink.
If using shrimp, add them next and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

First, stir-fry the carrots and celery for about 2–3 minutes.
After that, toss in the cabbage along with the green beans or snow peas, cooking just until the veggies are crisp-tender.

5. Add Noodles and Sauce

Place the drained noodles over the cooked meat and vegetables.
Drizzle in the ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 cup chicken broth, making sure to coat everything evenly.
Toss gently to combine, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and develop a golden color.

6. Season

Add the 1 tablespoon fish sauce (if you’re using it) and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
Toss once again carefully to blend all the ingredients together.

7. Garnish and Serve

Dish out the Pancit onto a large serving platter.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions, and serve with calamansi or lemon slices for an extra burst of brightness.

Enjoy while hot!

Popular Variations of Pancit

Want to explore other tasty styles of Pancit? Here are some beloved types:

• Pancit Canton: Features stir-fried egg noodles for a rich, slightly chewy texture.
• Pancit Sotanghon: Prepared with glass noodles and commonly tossed with mushrooms and shredded chicken for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Pancit Palabok: Topped with shrimp sauce, and boiled eggs, perfect for special occasions.
• Pancit Malabon: Uses thick rice noodles and a shrimp-based sauce, loaded with seafood toppings.

Every version offers its own unique charm!

Tips for a Healthier Pancit

Want a lighter version? Here’s how:

• Noodles: Use whole wheat or brown rice noodles for extra fiber.
• Protein: chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu to make it healthier.
• Vegetables: Double or triple the veggie content! Add spinach, bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and minimize fish sauce.

These small changes make a big nutritional difference while keeping all the flavor you love.

Serving Suggestions

Pancit is fantastic on its own, but if you want a full Filipino feast, pair it with:

• Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino spring rolls)
• Chicken Adobo
• Fried Bangus (milkfish)
• Garlic Fried Rice

Don’t forget extra calamansi or lemon for squeezing over the noodles!

How to Store and Reheat Pancit

Storing:
After it cools down, keep your Pancit in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating:
Warm it up in the microwave or quickly stir-fry it again in a pan with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing:
You can keep Pancit in the freezer for up to two months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick and Easy Pancit)

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Definitely! If you don’t have Pancit Bihon, you can substitute with egg noodles like Pancit Canton, vermicelli noodles, or even regular spaghetti.

2. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use rice noodles that are labeled gluten-free and switch to a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari.

3. Can Pancit be made vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Use tofu for protein, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the fish sauce.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Be careful not to over-soak the noodles, and toss them lightly once they’re added to the wok to maintain their texture.

5. Why is Pancit often served at birthdays?
Noodles symbolize long life and good fortune in Filipino culture, making Pancit a traditional must-have at birthdays!

6. Can I make Pancit ahead of time?
Yes! Pancit actually tastes even better after the flavors meld. Make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Pancit isn’t just food—it’s a comforting connection to culture and family.
With easy steps and everyday ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings people together.

Next time you crave something simple yet packed with flavor, you’ll know exactly what to make. And don’t forget — a squeeze of fresh calamansi or lemon before serving takes it to another level!

For more creative ideas, check out this Easy Miso Chicken Noodle Soup.