Filipino Pancit

This pancit recipe is inspired by a classic Filipino dish. It’s packed full of vegetables and savory pork, and it comes together in only 30 minutes from start to finish.

We start the process with boneless pork loin chops. (We love easy pork chop recipes, especially when they cook as quickly as pancit!) Instead of cooking them whole, we cut the chops into thin strips. These bite-sized pieces cook quickly, and they caramelize to golden-brown perfection. Put that together with a little minced garlic, stir-fried vegetables and vermicelli noodles, and it creates one incredible skillet-noodle dish.

What is pancit?

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In Filipino cooking, pancit refers to both the noodles themselves and a dish made with noodles. Two of the popular versions are pancit bihon made with rice noodles, and pancit canton made with flour noodles that resemble chow mein.

At its core, this dish is composed of noodles, vegetables and meat or seafood. There are so many ways to customize this pancit recipe, so think of it as a blueprint. Check out the variations below, and create a dish inspired by your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients for Pancit

• Vermicelli or angel hair pasta: We use pasta for our pancit recipe because most of us have a box in the pantry. Feel free to substitute chow mein or udon noodles instead. If you prefer pancit with rice noodles, look for bihon noodles (also called rice vermicelli).
• Boneless pork loin chops: You can use fresh or frozen pork chops. (If you’re starting with frozen, here’s how to thaw pork chops safely.) Look for 1/2-inch-thick pork chops. Cut them into thin strips to create pieces that cook perfectly in under three minutes.
• Fresh vegetables: We stir-fry a combination of onion, cabbage, carrot and snow peas. This blend tastes great, and it’s particularly colorful. You can use bagged coleslaw mix in a pinch, but freshly shredded cabbage is more vibrant, and it will have a better texture.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the vermicelli

Break the vermicelli in half. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain, and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: You may not need this step if substituting rice noodles. Follow the package directions to be sure, but most rice noodles only require soaking.

Step 2: Cook the pork

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Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss the pork strips with 2 tablespoons oil, minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the pork mixture. Stir-fry for two to three minutes or until browned. Remove the cooked pork, and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining pork mixture.

Editor’s Tip: Crowding the skillet would cause the pork to steam instead of caramelize it, which we don’t want! So, we cook the pork in two batches to give it plenty of room.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

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In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion. Stir-fry for one to two minutes or until tender. Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot and fresh snow peas. Stir-fry for three to five minutes or until crisp-tender.

Step 4: Bring it all together

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Stir in the pepper and remaining salt. Add the cooked pork and vermicelli to the skillet. Heat through, tossing to combine.

Editor’s Tip: Infuse savory flavor into the dish by adding a tablespoon or two of soy sauce in this step.

Recipe Variations

• Change out the noodles: Swap in rice noodles, or use another type of flour noodle such as chow mein or udon.
• Add vegetables: Add variety to this pancit recipe by customizing the vegetables. Try green beans, red bell peppers or broccoli. The key is to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they all cook at the same rate (just like you would in a vegan stir-fry recipe).
• Use different proteins: Chicken, beef or shrimp are all commonly used in pancit recipes. Shrimp are fine to cook whole, but thinly slice any meat you use so it all cooks evenly. When working with beef, choose quick-cooking meat cuts like beef tenderloin or sirloin over tougher cuts like brisket.

How to Store Pancit

Transfer leftover pancit to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze pancit, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When freezing spaghetti noodles, it’s important to cook the noodles only to al dente. Otherwise, the texture can become a little mushy after thawing.

Can you make pancit ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pancit recipe ahead of time. It tastes great fresh out of the skillet, but it’s equally good when it’s reheated. Reheat the pancit in a skillet on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. Or cover it with a damp towel, and reheat it in the microwave.

Pancit Tips

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Can you use different noodles for pancit?

Yes, you can use different noodles for pancit. Rice noodles are traditional for pancit bihon, while flour noodles are more typical for pancit cahon.

What do you serve with pancit?

Pancit is a great standalone entree because it contains meat, vegetables and noodles all in one dish. Of course, you can’t go wrong serving it with a fresh mango and jicama salad or batch of homemade spring rolls.

Can you freeze pancit?

Yes, you can keep leftover pancit in the freezer in an airtight container for up to two months. Once you reheat it, though, you should toss any uneaten portions—don’t put them it back in the freezer. Here are more tips on freezing food.