If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying Filipino dish that’s quick to make — this easy pancit recipe is exactly what you need! Pancit, a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine, is a noodle dish filled with savory flavors, crisp vegetables, tender meat, and a hint of citrus. It’s light enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner, and perfect for busy weekdays when you want something tasty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s make a Filipino-style pancit recipe that’s simple, authentic, and totally delicious — ready in under 30 minutes!
🍜 What Is Pancit?
“Pancit” (pronounced pahn-sit) means “noodles” in Filipino, and it’s one of the most iconic dishes in the Philippines. There are many varieties — Pancit Canton, Pancit Bihon, and Pancit Malabon, to name a few — but the version we’re making today is a quick and easy Pancit Bihon, made with thin rice noodles, vegetables, soy sauce, and your choice of meat.
Filipinos often serve pancit during birthdays and celebrations as a symbol of long life and prosperity — but it’s also a comforting everyday meal for busy families.
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Easy Pancit Recipe
✅ Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy days.
🍗 Versatile: Use chicken, shrimp, pork, or go meatless.
🥕 Healthy: Packed with veggies and lean protein.
🍋 Flavorful: A balance of savory, salty, and citrusy notes.
🧡 Authentically Filipino: A taste of home with every bite.
🥘 Ingredients for Easy Filipino Pancit
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy pancit recipe Filipino-style:
Main Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) rice noodles (bihon)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup cabbage, shredded
½ cup green beans, sliced thinly (optional)
½ lb (225g) chicken breast or pork, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds rich flavor)
1 cup chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper, to taste
Calamansi or lemon wedges, for serving
Hack Inside! 🍋
If you can’t find calamansi (a small Filipino citrus fruit), use fresh lemon or lime juice — it gives the same bright, tangy kick that completes the dish!
🍜 Step-by-Step Instructions
H2: Step 1 – Prepare the Noodles
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 10–15 minutes until they’re soft. Drain and set aside.
Hack Inside! 🔪
Don’t over-soak the noodles — they’ll continue to cook in the pan later. You want them pliable but firm.
H2: Step 2 – Cook the Protein
In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
Add your sliced chicken (or pork) and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
Hack Inside! 🍗
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken — just shred it and toss it in!
H2: Step 3 – Add the Vegetables
Add carrots, cabbage, and green beans to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still crisp.
Hack Inside! 🥕
For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of black pepper at this stage.
H2: Step 4 – Add Noodles and Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Add the soaked noodles and toss gently until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is evenly mixed.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Hack Inside! 🍴
If your noodles look dry, add a few tablespoons of broth or water to loosen them up.
🍋 Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your pancit to a serving platter and top with lemon wedges or calamansi halves.
Optional toppings:
Sliced boiled eggs
Crushed chicharrón (pork cracklings)
Green onions
Fried garlic bits
Squeeze some citrus juice over the top right before eating for that perfect Filipino flavor balance!
🍜 Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover pancit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the noodles before microwaving or reheating on the stove to keep them moist.
Hack Inside! 🧊
Batch-cook pancit and store individual portions — perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches during the week!
🍤 Variations You’ll Love
Pancit Canton: Use egg noodles instead of rice noodles for a heartier dish.
Shrimp Pancit: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Pancit: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or tofu for protein.
Pancit Malabon: Add shrimp sauce and boiled eggs for a festive touch.
Hack Inside! 🌶️
Love spice? Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick!
🧂 Pro Tips for Perfect Pancit
Use a large wok or skillet so everything cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook the noodles — slightly chewy noodles are ideal.
Prep all ingredients before you start cooking — pancit cooks fast!
Add a splash of fish sauce (patis) if you want a more authentic umami flavor.
❤️ Conclusion: A Taste of the Philippines in Minutes
This easy pancit recipe Filipino-style for busy days proves that you can enjoy authentic Filipino flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender noodles, savory sauce, and vibrant veggies, every bite feels like home — comforting, flavorful, and made with love.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, pancit is a dish that brings people together.
So grab your wok, toss in those noodles, and enjoy the magic of this easy Filipino pancit recipe — ready in minutes, delicious every time! 🇵🇭🍋🍜