Filipino Pancit Bihon is a beloved noodle dish that brightens many gatherings and celebrations. When you dive into making this dish, you're not just cooking; you're embracing a piece of Filipino culture.
Prepared with thin rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, and colorful vegetables, it’s a delightful way to explore Filipino flavors.

Pancit Bihon is not just tasty but also carries a cultural significance, often symbolizing long life and good fortune during special occasions. The mix of ingredients makes it not just a feast for your palate but also a nutritious choice.
Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and snow peas add a fresh touch while providing essential vitamins.
Tackling Pancit Bihon is easier than it might seem. With simple ingredients like soy sauce and chicken broth, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile.
Whether it’s a party or a simple family dinner, you’ll find Pancit Bihon to be the perfect companion. Remember to add a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing finish that ties all the flavors together.
Table of Contents
History and Significance
Pancit Bihon is a beloved Filipino noodle dish with a rich cultural history. It symbolizes long life and is a staple at celebrations like birthdays and holidays.
Origins of Pancit
Pancit is a popular Filipino noodle dish with a long history in Philippine cuisine. The word "pancit" comes from the Hokkien phrase “pian i sit,” which means “something convenient to eat.” This shows the influence of Chinese traders who brought noodles to the Philippines many years ago.
Chinese immigrants (Chinese Filipinos or Chinoys) eventually introduced different noodle dishes to the islands, which were then adapted to fit local tastes and ingredients. Pancit Bihon, known for its delicate rice noodles, has become one of the most popular versions, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Filipino culinary traditions.
Pancit Bihon specifically refers to a dish made with bihon noodles, which are thin rice noodles. The word “bihon” comes from the Hokkien term “bee hoon,” showing the Chinese roots of this noodle type. Bihon noodles are usually stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meats, and sometimes seafood, making a dish that is both tasty and versatile.
Cultural Relevance and Traditions
In Filipino culture, Pancit Bihon is more than just a meal. It represents long life and prosperity.
Traditionally served at birthdays and festive occasions, it embodies the hope for good fortune and a long, happy life.
Pancit dishes are prepared with various meats and colorful vegetables, making them not only flavorful but also visually appealing.
Families often pass down unique recipes through generations, adding personal touches with favorite ingredients. Sharing Pancit at gatherings strengthens community bonds, celebrating both heritage and family.
Ingredients and Variations
Filipino Pancit Bihon is a classic noodle dish that features rice noodles, an array of vegetables, and varied protein options. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce creates a flavorful experience. This dish allows flexibility in ingredients, making it adaptable to different tastes.
Main Ingredients
The main component of Pancit Bihon is the rice noodles, known as bihon. These thin noodles absorb flavors well, and soaking them in warm water softens them for cooking.
Chicken and shrimp are common protein choices, providing a balance of textures and flavors. Vegetable oil is used to sauté ingredients, helping bring out their natural taste.
Soy sauce is essential for the savory taste. Oyster sauce can add depth, and fish sauce provides a unique umami flavor. Chicken broth brings everything together, adding richness to the dish.
Vegetable Additions
Vegetables play a key role in Pancit Bihon, adding both nutrition and color. Popular choices include carrots and cabbage. These provide sweetness and crunch.
Snow peas and bell peppers are also popular, adding freshness and a slight sweetness.
You can add your favorite vegetables or swap them according to availability. Options like green beans or mushrooms work well too.
It’s all about combining flavors that appeal to you and enhance the dish.
Protein Options
Different proteins can be used in Pancit Bihon. Chicken and shrimp are common choices, complementing each other with their flavors.
Pork or Chinese sausage are other tasty alternatives. Each type of meat brings its own unique taste and texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and increase the amount of vegetables.
This keeps the dish flavorful while catering to different dietary needs.
Sauce and Seasonings
The sauces and seasonings define Pancit Bihon’s flavor. Soy sauce is a must, providing the core taste of the dish.
Adding oyster sauce gives it a deeper flavor, although it’s optional. Fish sauce is another optional ingredient that can add a hint of the sea.
Balance the saltiness with a squeeze of lemon juice or serve with lemon wedges. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Finally, garnish with green onions for an aromatic finishing touch that brightens the dish.
Feel free to adjust these elements based on your preference for a more personalized Pancit Bihon experience.
Cooking Techniques
Pancit Bihon combines thin rice noodles, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables. Key techniques include preparing noodles, using stir-fry methods, and layering flavors for depth.
Preparing the Noodles
Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. This softens them without making them mushy.
Ensure you don’t over-soak; they should be flexible but still firm.
After soaking, drain the noodles well and let them sit until you’re ready.
This step is crucial, as overcooked noodles can become sticky and hard to work with. Keeping your noodles prepared ahead ensures you can quickly add them to the dish without interrupting your flow.
Stir-Fry Method
Cooking Pancit Bihon uses a stir-fry method, which brings out the flavors of each ingredient.
Use a large skillet or wok and heat a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
Start by cooking the sliced chicken and shrimp until just done, removing them once they’re cooked.
In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until they release their aroma.
Add julienned carrots, cabbage, snow peas, and red bell pepper, stirring frequently for even cooking.
This method allows vegetables to remain crisp and colorful, enhancing the dish’s appeal.
Using a wok elevates the stir-fry process, offering high, even heat.
Layering Flavors
The sauce mixture deeply influences the overall taste.
Combine soy sauce with optional oyster and fish sauces, and a splash of chicken broth.
Pour these over the noodles and cooked meats. Toss everything to evenly coat and distribute flavors throughout.
Adjust flavors with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to ensure a balanced dish.
Layering starts during the initial sauté and continues with each added ingredient, enhancing each element’s natural taste.
Serve garnished with chopped green onions and lemon wedges for a fresh and zesty touch at the end, giving your Pancit Bihon a bright finish.
RECIPE: Filipino Pancit Bihon
Pancit Bihon is a delightful Filipino dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try.
Ingredients
- Rice noodles (bihon): 8 ounces
- Chicken breast: ½ pound, thinly sliced
- Shrimp: ½ pound, peeled and deveined
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, julienned
- Cabbage: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Snow peas: 1 cup, trimmed
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Chicken broth: ½ cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Green onions: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
Soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken and Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, cooking until it’s no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken.
In the same skillet, cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, around 2-3 minutes.
Add carrots, cabbage, snow peas, and bell pepper. Stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine and Season:
Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Mix in rice noodles.
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and chicken broth. Toss well to coat noodles evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve:
Transfer to a platter. Garnish with green onions and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Health and Nutrition
Filipino Pancit Bihon is a flavorful dish combining rice noodles with chicken, shrimp, and fresh vegetables. Understanding what makes this dish both tasty and nutritious is essential.
Nutritional Overview
Pancit Bihon is a balanced dish offering a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The main ingredient, rice noodles, provides energy due to their high carbohydrate content.
Protein comes from both chicken and shrimp, which are essential for muscle repair and growth.
Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and snow peas add important vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy immune system.
Total fat in the dish is relatively low, though adding shrimp increases cholesterol slightly. Using vegetable oil helps keep saturated fat levels minimal.
Dietary Considerations
For those watching their sodium intake, adjust the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to your preference, as these can add extra salt.
With its rich protein content from chicken and shrimp, Pancit Bihon is fulfilling without being overly rich in calories.
Those with gluten sensitivities will appreciate that rice noodles are gluten-free.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can cut back on the oil or skip the oyster sauce. The dish can also be adapted by adding more vegetables or swapping proteins to fit various dietary needs.
Serving and Presentation
When serving Pancit Bihon, paying attention to details in plating can make a big impact. Focus on presenting the colors and textures of the dish.
Don't forget to add accompaniments like lemon wedges or calamansi to bring out the flavors.
Plating Pancit Bihon
Start with a large serving platter. It's important to arrange the noodles in a neat pile. This keeps everything together and makes it easier to serve.
Surround the noodles with your cooked chicken slices, shrimp, and vegetables.
Top with chopped green onions for a pop of green color. Bok choy or bean sprouts can also be added for extra crunch.
Use lime or lemon wedges around the edge of the platter. This not only looks nice but adds a zesty option for guests.
Try to keep the ingredients visible. This shows off the abundance of flavors in the dish.
You can also use a fork to fluff up the top of the noodles so they're not too flat.
Accompaniments and Garnishes
Calamansi or small Philippine lemons are perfect to serve with Pancit Bihon. They add a burst of citrus flavor when squeezed over the noodles. But if these aren't available, you may use lemons or limes to achieve the same sourness that enhance the pancit's overall flavor profile.
Other garnishes like sliced green onions or bean sprouts add freshness.
Chopped, fresh herbs can boost both color and taste. Consider cilantro or parsley for a splash of green.
A drizzle of fish sauce or oyster sauce can add extra flavor. They heighten the savory taste of the dish.
Keep these accompaniments close by for easy access. This lets everyone customize their own plate.
Having these options makes the meal more versatile and allows each person to enjoy the dish their own way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pancit Bihon is a beloved Filipino noodle dish. It stands out for its aromatic flavors and vibrant mix of vegetables and proteins, making it a favorite at celebrations and everyday meals alike.
What makes Pancit Bihon a popular dish in the Philippines?
Pancit Bihon is popular because it is delicious and easy to prepare. It's served during special occasions as it symbolizes long life and is a staple in Filipino homes.
How does Pancit Bihon differ from Pancit Canton?
Pancit Bihon uses thin rice noodles while Pancit Canton uses thicker egg noodles. The choice of noodles changes the texture and taste of the dish, with Bihon being lighter and Canton heartier.
What are the essential ingredients for making Pancit Bihon?
You need rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, various vegetables like cabbage and carrots, soy sauce, and broth. Optional ingredients include oyster sauce and fish sauce.
Can I substitute or add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add or substitute vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms work well. Choose fresh produce for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the rice noodles from becoming mushy?
Soak the noodles only until they are soft but still firm. Over-soaking can make them mushy. Stir them gently when mixing with other ingredients.
Can I use other types of noodles for Pancit Bihon?
The classic version uses rice noodles, but you can try others for a different texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times.
What type of soy sauce should I use for Pancit Bihon?
Use regular soy sauce for a balanced flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, use a light soy sauce.
Is it necessary to use both oyster sauce and fish sauce?
Both are optional but add depth. Use them based on your taste preference and dietary needs.
How do I serve Pancit Bihon?
Serve it hot, garnished with green onions and lemon wedges. The lemon adds a fresh tang that enhances the dish.
What is the best way to reheat Pancit Bihon?
Reheat in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Stir gently until evenly warmed. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
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