Pancit Bihon (Filipino Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)

Birthday Noodles: The Beloved Pancit, a Filipino Family Staple

Pancit Bihon is a popular Filipino noodle dish that features thin rice noodles stir-fried with various ingredients. It's a staple at celebrations and gatherings in the Philippines.  

Pancit is a beloved everyday staple and comfort food. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with white rice, bread (like pandesal), or puto (steamed rice cakes). Pancit dishes are popular at gatherings, festivals, and religious events because they are easy to cook in large quantities. They are also a common feature at birthday celebrations, with Chinese restaurants often offering "birthday noodles" on their menus, symbolizing long life according to Chinese Filipino tradition.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
• 200g chicken liver
• chicken breast bones (removed from the chicken meat)
• 6 cups water
• 250g bihon (rice vermicelli)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 medium-size carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup green beans, sliced diagonally
• 1/2 cup squid balls, slice into 3 pieces
• 1 cup mung bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup kinchay, sliced
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 tbsp. fish sauce to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp. cooking oil

Procedure:

1. Slice and Prepare the Chicken:

• Slice the chicken breast into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
• Use a mallet to pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness.

2. Marinate the Chicken and Liver:

• Place the sliced chicken and chicken liver into a small mixing bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
• Mix everything together until the chicken and liver are well coated.

• Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.

3. Prepare the Broth:

• In a small pot, add the chicken bones.
• Pour in enough cold water to cover the bones.
• Set the stove to medium heat and bring the water to a boil.

• Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and simmer. Skim away the foam with a skimmer spoon and discard it. Simmer for at least 45 minutes.

4. Pan-fry the marinated chicken meat and chicken liver:

• In a large pan or wok add cooking oil and set the stove to medium heat.
• Cook the marinated chicken meat and liver until golden brown. Set aside.

5. Saute Aromatics

• In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
• Add soy sauce and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
• Once boiling add the bihon (rice vermicelli)
• Add the vegetables and use 2 large ladles to mix them together.
• Return the cooked chicken and liver.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5-7 minutes.
• Serve hot with calamansi or lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Benefits of Eating Pancit Bihon

Nutrient-Rich:

• Pancit Bihon typically includes a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and green beans, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Adding protein sources like chicken, pork, or shrimp contributes to a balanced intake of protein, vital for muscle repair and overall health.

Low-Fat Option:

• Using lean meats and minimal oil can make Pancit Bihon a low-fat meal option.
• The rice noodles themselves are low in fat, making the dish suitable for those monitoring their fat intake.

Gluten-Free:

• The rice noodles used in Pancit Bihon are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Versatile and Customizable:

• Pancit Bihon can be easily customized to include more vegetables or different types of protein, allowing for a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits.
• It can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets by omitting meat and using tofu or other plant-based proteins.

Balanced Meal:

• Combining carbohydrates (rice noodles), proteins (meat or tofu), and vegetables ensures a well-rounded meal that can keep you energized and satisfied.

Easy to Prepare in Large Quantities:

• Pancit Bihon is convenient to cook in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep and ensuring you have nutritious meals ready throughout the week.

Cultural and Emotional Benefits:

• Eating Pancit Bihon can provide a sense of comfort and connection to Filipino culture and family traditions, contributing to emotional well-being.
• It’s often associated with celebrations and gatherings, bringing a sense of joy and community.

Quick and Easy:

• Pancit Bihon is relatively quick to prepare, making it a practical option for busy individuals or families looking for a nutritious meal without extensive cooking

Ingredients:

• Bihon Noodles: Thin rice noodles, also known as rice sticks or rice vermicelli.
• Protein: Commonly includes chicken, pork, shrimp, or a combination. Tofu can be used for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetables: Typically include cabbage, carrots, celery, and green beans.
• Aromatics and Seasonings: Garlic, onions, soy sauce, and sometimes fish sauce for depth of flavor.
• Garnishes: Sliced green onions, lemon or calamansi wedges, and occasionally boiled eggs.

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Soak bihon noodles in water until softened, then drain.
2. Cook the Protein: Sauté chicken, pork, or shrimp until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Add sliced vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything: Return the protein to the pan, add the softened bihon noodles, and season with soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the noodles absorb the flavors and everything is evenly distributed.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with green onions, and serve with lemon or calamansi wedges on the side.

Tips:

• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the soy sauce and fish sauce to balance the saltiness and umami.
• Texture: Ensure the vegetables remain slightly crunchy to provide a good contrast to the soft noodles.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas, and experiment with different proteins.