Today, I want to share with you another delicious, quick, and easy recipe for Vegetable Filipino Pancit. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless meal option, this is one dish that will surely satisfy you. It's budget and kid-friendly and perfect for a busy weeknight meal since it only takes 30 minutes to make.
While this recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight meal, Vegetable Filipino Pancit is very popular to bring to family gatherings like potluck dinners, special occasions, or luncheons with friends. Check out why Pancit Canton is a popular dish to make for birthday parties.
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Basic Ingredients
- Noodles: I used egg noodles for this Vegetable Filipino Pancit recipe, but you can substitute rice stick noodles or bihon noodles. Unlike pancit noodles that are thicker, rice sticks and bihon are thin and translucent. See the "Types of Noodles For Pancit" section below.
- Cooking Oil
- Olive oil or Vegetable Oil: Has a neutral taste and high smoking point, making it perfect for stir-frying the vegetables and noodles in your Pancit recipe.
- Sesame Oil: Commonly used in Asian cuisine, sesame oil adds a nutty and toasty flavor and greatly enhances the taste profile of our Vegetarian Pancit.
- Garlic Cloves: No Filipino dish is complete without garlic! It brings an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor to the vegetable pancit.
- Onion: Chop up some yellow onion to add sweetness and texture to our vegetable pancit.
- Vegetables: To keep their vibrant color and crisp texture, check out my blog about blanching vegetables.
- Carrots: Julienne some fresh carrots for their vibrant color and crunchy texture – they make the perfect addition to our flavorful and colorful vegetable pancit.
- Broccoli: This vibrant green veggie is not only rich in vitamins and minerals but also adds a satisfying crunch to our pancit.
- Peapods, Snap Peas, or Snow Peas: Trim off those ends from snow peas but keep them whole – these little green gems add a beautiful pop of color plus some satisfying crispness.
- Green Beans: Not only do they add a lovely pop of color to your plate, but they also bring a satisfying texture to every bite.
- Celery: Low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent addition to this vegetable pancit.
- Water or Vegetable broth: To enhance the overall taste profile of our pancit, use vegetable broth or stock instead of meat-based alternatives.
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in any pancit recipe, soy sauce adds that savory umami flavor we all crave. You can use dark soy sauce or opt for a low-sodium version if watching your salt intake. Whichever you use, the savory sauce will truly enhance the flavor of this simple dish.
- Lemon or Calamansi: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice or calamansi over your plated pancit to give it a tangy kick and brighten the flavors even more.
- Extra-Firm Tofu (optional): For added protein, consider throwing in some cubed tofu into your Vegetable Pancit mix—it soaks up all those flavorful juices like a sponge!
- Garnishes: Top off your Vegetable Pancit with some chopped scallions, cilantro, or fried garlic for that extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the exact measurements for ingredients on how to make Vegetable Filipino Pancit.
Vegetables for Pancit
Here is a list of other types of vegetables to use when making Pancit:
- Cabbage: Thinly slice cabbage leaves as they add a delightful crunchiness when cooked while infusing the dish with freshness.
- Bell Peppers: Brighten up your vegetable Filipino Pancit with colorful bell peppers—red, green, or yellow—take your pick! They bring both sweetness and crunchiness to the party.
- Bok choy: Also known as Chinese cabbage or pechay in Tagalog, adds a beautiful pop of color and also brings a delightful freshness to this Vegetable Filipino Pancit.
- Bean sprouts: Add a lovely texture to your vegetable pancit, but they also bring along a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other vegetables in this Filipino Pancit perfectly.
- Shiitake mushroom: These earthy wonders add depth and umami flavor to this Vegetable Filipino Pancit.
Types of Noodles for Pancit
1. Rice Noodles (Bihon): If you're looking for a classic choice, bihon is where it's at. Made from rice flour, these thin and delicate noodles are perfect for absorbing all those mouthwatering flavors in your pancit. They cook quickly and have a slightly chewy texture that adds a delightful bite to every forkful.
2. Egg Noodles (Canton): If you prefer a heartier option, look no further than canton noodles. These egg-based strands are thicker and more robust compared to bihon noodles. They provide a satisfying chewiness and hold up well to stir-frying without getting mushy. Canton noodles also give your pancit an appetizing golden hue.
3. Glass Noodles (Sotanghon): Looking for something light and translucent? Sotanghon, also known as glass or cellophane noodles, fits the bill perfectly. Made from mung bean starch or sweet potato starch, these thin and transparent noodles add an elegant touch to your pancit dishes while retaining their springy texture.
4. Wheat Flour Noodles (Pancit Miki/Bilao/Misua): For those who crave some variety in their noodle game, wheat flour-based options like Miki, bilao, or misua will not disappoint! Miki is round and thick with a chewy consistency; bilao is flat but wider than bihon with its own distinctive taste; misua is ultra-thin rice vermicelli noodles that cook quickly.
5. Pancit Palabok: This dish uses thick rice noodles (sometimes called luglug) coated with a vibrant orange-hued sauce made from shrimp broth, ground pork, and annatto powder. The noodles are then topped with an array of delightful garnishes like crushed chicharon (pork rinds), boiled eggs, green onions, and calamansi.
Stay tuned and make sure to bookmark my blog, as I will be sharing recipes for these popular Filipino noodle dishes.
Where to Find Pancit Noodles
- Local Asian Markets: One of the easiest and most reliable places to find pancit noodles is your local Asian grocery store. These stores typically have a wide range of noodle varieties, including different types of pancit noodles. Just head down the international aisle and look for packages labeled "pancit" or "rice sticks."
- Filipino Specialty Stores: If you're specifically looking for authentic Filipino pancit noodles, visiting a Filipino specialty store would be your best bet. These stores cater specifically to Filipino cuisine and carry an extensive selection of ingredients used in traditional dishes like pancit. You'll likely find various brands and sizes of pancit noodles that will transport you straight back to the Philippines. The one I like to go to for groceries is Seafood City. It's in Chicago so I make a special trip whenever I go and get my fill of Filipino food and groceries!
- Online Retailers: In this digital age, almost everything can be found online – including pancit noodles! This one is my favorite!
Cooking Process
- Step 1: Sauté garlic and onions in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.
- Step 3: Add the noodles, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the remaining olive oil and sauté until they are all blended and heated through.
Please refer to the recipe card below for more specific instructions on how to make Vegetable Filipino Pancit.
Storage for leftover Vegetable Pancit
Here are some handy tips for what to do in case you have any Filipino Pancit leftovers.
1. Let it cool: Before storing, ensure that your delicious pancit has cooled down to room temperature. Hot food can create condensation inside containers and lead to spoilage.
2. Choose the right container: Opt for an airtight container or resealable plastic bags that are specifically designed for storing food. This will keep your vegetable pancit fresh and prevent any odors from seeping out or other foods' flavors from creeping in.
3. Portion control: If you have a large amount of leftover pancit, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing it. This way, you can easily grab just the right amount when you're ready to enjoy it again without having to defrost more than necessary.
4. Label and date: Don't forget to label each container or bag with the date of storage using a marker or sticky note. It might sound like an extra step, but trust us – this will save you from playing guessing games later on!
5. Store in the fridge: Pancit leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if properly sealed and handled correctly. Make sure your fridge is set below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness.
6. Freezing option: If you have more pancit than you can consume within a few days, freezing is an excellent choice! Transfer your leftover vegetable pancit into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing them tightly. When done right, frozen pancit can last up to 2-3 months without losing its taste and texture.
7. Thawing safely: To thaw frozen pancit leftovers safely, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow ample time for the pancit to defrost slowly overnight or within a day. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
8. Reheating with care: When it's time to enjoy your stored vegetable pancit, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, depending on your preference. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
In conclusion, this easy recipe for Vegetable Filipino Pancit Noodles is not only a delicious and satisfying dish, but they also offer a great opportunity to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines. With this quick and easy recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors and textures that make Vegetable Filipino Pancit Noodles so special, without compromising your dietary choices. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of Manila with every mouthful of these tasty noodles. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Filipino tradition to eat pancit or any type of long noodles to celebrate a birthday because it is meant to symbolize long life and good health.
Like many pasta or noodle dishes, Vegetable Filipino Pancit is a perfect dish made in advance because it gives all the flavor of the ingredients to blend together, making it even more tasty and delicious the next day.
Pancit noodles take on the flavors of any sauce and ingredients used, giving the vegetable pancit a healthy combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
What Goes Good with Pancit
Here are some of my favorite dishes to eat with Pancit:
Other Filipino Recipes To Try
📖 Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves crushed and minced
- ½ cup Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Carrots thinly sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Pea pods ends removed
- 1 cup Green Beans julienned
- 1 cup Celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup Vegetable broth
- 8 ounce Pancit Noodles
- 2 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
Instructions
- In a wok or large skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1T of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add garlic and onions. Cook until transparent without burning the garlic.2 Tablespoon Olive Oil, ½ cup Onion, 2 Garlic Cloves
- Slowly stir-fry by adding one vegetable type at a time (carrots, broccoli, pea pods, green beans, celery) giving them 1 to 2 minutes in between. Cooking it for more than that will overcook the veggies and result in a dull-colored presentation. See note #2 below.1 cup Carrots, 1 cup Broccoli, 1 cup Pea pods, 1 cup Green Beans, 1 cup Celery
- Add the noodles, water or vegetable broth, sesame oil, soy sauce, and the remaining olive oil. Stir fry all the ingredients until they are all blended and heated through.1 cup Vegetable broth, 2 Tablespoon Sesame Oil, 2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce, 8 ounce Pancit Noodles
- Serve Pancit in a large bowl with some chopped scallions, cilantro, or fried garlic for that extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- When cutting vegetables, be sure to cut them all the same size so they cook quickly and evenly.
- If you're entertaining, presentation is key. So be sure not to overcook the vegetables. You can also blanch the vegetables to preserve the texture and color of the vegetables.
- To add more protein, use tofu.
- For a meat version, add chicken, pork, or shrimp. (See Stir-Fried Egg Noodles Recipe)
- Serve with a slice of lemon and a sprig of cilantro for garnish.
Lou
Your sauce is top-notch. It's what made this recipe. I cheated and used frozen stir-fry veggies.
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Glad you liked it, Lou! And yes, frozen stir-fry veggies work.
Raquel
I made this for dinner. My family loved it. It’ll be in our rotational from now on.
Chili to Choc
Ah these look so good! Loving them.
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Thank you for the kind comment! ❤️
Mary Mokersky
I can't wait to try. I just hope mine comes out as good as Joz's. Picture are beautiful. The dish has to be delicious
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Hello Mary! Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait for you to try it either. It's a very delicious dish and you're right it's very colorful because of all the fresh vegetables. Go and make it soon and let me know how it turned out. Recipe is easy enough. 🙂