Easy Pancit Bihon
A simple and delicious Filipino noodle dish that's easy to prepare for beginners, featuring rice noodles, chicken, and a variety of vegetables.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 ounces dried bihon rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 to 2 pieces boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup snow peas or green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Calamansi or lemon wedges for serving
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, fried garlic, a few drops of sesame oil, sliced fish balls, or cooked shrimp
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak the bihon by placing the dried noodles in a large bowl and covering them with warm water. Let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes until bendy but still firm in the center. Drain well.
- Heat oil in a wide pan or wok over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and sweet, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Slide in the chicken and a pinch of pepper. Cook just until the meat loses its pink color.
Cooking
- Pour in the broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Taste the liquid to check for seasoning.
- Add the drained noodles and toss to coat. If the pan looks dry, add more broth or water. Cover the pan to let the noodles steam for a minute, then toss again.
- For mixing vegetables: Add carrots first, then the cabbage, and finish with snow peas or green beans. Stir in any optional proteins during the last few minutes.
Serving
- Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fried garlic. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Add a few drops of sesame oil if desired, and serve with fresh slices or a simple salad for added freshness.
Notes
For best results, keep the noodles flexible and the veggies crisp. Serve warm and enjoy immediately for optimal flavor.