Tanya Rivers
A comforting plate of Traditional Pancit Bihon is a staple in Filipino households, celebrated for its light yet flavorful stir-fried noodles. The combination of tender rice vermicelli, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, Pancit Bihon is known for bringing people together with its vibrant colors and rich, savory taste.
The best part? This dish is highly customizable. Whether you enjoy it with chicken, pork, or just vegetables, Pancit Bihon delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Its versatility and quick cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy home cooks who still want a meal packed with traditional Filipino flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Pancit Bihon
Traditional Pancit Bihon isn’t just delicious – it’s practical. The noodles cook quickly, absorbing all the savory goodness of the sauce and aromatics. With a mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs in one dish, it’s a complete meal on its own. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Pancit Bihon?
The best noodles for Pancit Bihon are thin rice vermicelli, also known as bihon noodles. They cook fast and soak up the flavors beautifully without turning mushy. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, and they require only a quick soak in warm water before stir-frying.
Ingredients for the Traditional Pancit Bihon
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature taste and texture of Pancit Bihon. The combination of savory proteins, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings makes this dish rich and flavorful.
- Bihon (Rice Vermicelli Noodles) – The star of the dish, these thin noodles absorb all the delicious sauce.
- Shrimp – Adds a sweet, briny flavor and a lovely texture.
- Chicken (optional) – For extra protein and heartiness.
- Carrots – Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cabbage – Provides crunch and freshness.
- Green Beans or Snow Peas – Enhances the vegetable mix with a crisp bite.
- Garlic and Onion – The aromatic base that builds depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce – Gives the dish its savory, umami richness.
- Chicken Broth – Keeps the noodles moist and flavorful while cooking.
- Cooking Oil – For stir-frying all the ingredients together.
How To Make the Traditional Pancit Bihon
Step 1: Soak and Prep the Noodles
Place the bihon noodles in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and sliced onions until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Proteins
Add shrimp (and chicken if using) and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add carrots, cabbage, and green beans or snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp and chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Mix well.
Step 6: Add the Noodles
Add the soaked bihon noodles, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce. Let them absorb the liquid for 5–7 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped spring onions or a squeeze of calamansi if desired, and enjoy!
Serving and Storing Traditional Pancit Bihon
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot straight from the pan for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the noodles from drying out.
What to Serve With Traditional Pancit Bihon?
1. Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
Crispy and savory, lumpia is a classic partner for pancit.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers
The smoky flavor complements the savory noodles.
3. Garlic Fried Rice
Perfect for adding a hearty side to your meal.
4. Filipino BBQ Pork
Sweet and smoky pork pairs beautifully with the light noodles.
5. Fresh Green Salad
A light salad balances the richness of the stir-fried noodles.
6. Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls)
Soft bread rolls are great for soaking up the sauce.
7. Atchara (Pickled Green Papaya)
The tangy crunch cuts through the savory flavors.
8. Calamansi or Lemon Wedges
A squeeze of citrus enhances the dish with a refreshing zing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Pancit Bihon ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pan with a bit of broth to keep it moist.
2. Can I use other types of noodles?
You can, but for authentic flavor, stick to bihon (rice vermicelli). If unavailable, thin rice stick noodles can work.
3. What protein substitutions work best?
Chicken, pork, or tofu are great alternatives to shrimp, depending on your preference.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
5. Why are my noodles mushy?
Over-soaking or overcooking can cause mushy noodles. Soak only until soft and avoid cooking them too long in the pan.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken or kept it all veggie? Did you add calamansi juice for a citrusy twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated Filipino and Asian noodle recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner ideas!
Traditional Pancit Bihon
Equipment
- Wok or large pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 200 g bihon rice vermicelli noodles
- 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150 g chicken breast, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup green beans or snow peas, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Soak bihon noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and chicken, cook until shrimp turns pink and chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry carrots, cabbage, and green beans or snow peas for 2–3 minutes.
- Return shrimp and chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Add noodles and toss gently until coated and fully absorbed the liquid (about 5–7 minutes).
- Serve hot, garnished with spring onions and calamansi wedges.