Pancit Bihon with Shrimp (Filipino Noodles)

This pancit bihon comes together in under 30 minutes and and is the perfect Filipino party food.

If you’ve been to any Filipino party I guarantee you’ve seen at least one tray of pancit there. “Pancit” is an umbrella term referring to different noodle dishes in Filipino cuisine. These noodle dishes come in a number of varieties, all prepared in different ways. 

Pancit bihon is made of thin cornstarch-based noodles with crisp vegetables and protein to compliment. This style along with pancit canton were my mom’s go-to recipe for a delicious noodle dish that comes together quickly and easily. Pancit can be made with  a combination of protein like chicken, pork, or shrimp. Today we are making a pescatarian-friendly version with shrimp.

Bihon vs. Vermicelli

Bihon noodles are very similar to vermicelli visually, but the ingredients are what separates them. Vermicelli is rice-based whole bihon noodles are usually cornstarch-based or a mix of both rice and cornstarch. Growing up, my family would use the Super Q brand. These noodles are solely cornstarch-based and have a really nice bounce and chew to them!

If you struggle to find authentic Filipino bihon noodles vermicelli noodles can work as a substitute is more accessible to you.

Love noodles? Try out these 15-minute Ginger Scallion Chilli Oil Noodles!

Preparing the noodles

In many noodle dishes, you may be used to soaking or boiling your noodles beforehand. Bihon noodles have a wonderful ability to cook easily and absorb liquid so, in this recipe, we are cooking the noodles directly in the seasoning. Doing this will prevent the noodles from overcooking and breaking.

Cutting your vegetables

In my opinion, the key to a great pancit is having a lot of vegetables. Cutting your vegetables thinly will make is easier to have them distributed through the dish. You’ll get them in each bite!

This is a dish that is fit for sharing since it makes a large batch. Bring it to parties, potlucks, BBQ’s and more! 

Pancit Bihon with Shrimp (Filipino Noodles)

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Recipe by asiamakes Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: Asian, FilipinoDifficulty: 3

Servings

10-12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

A staple in Filipino party food, pancit bihon is made a thin rice noodles and is a crowd favourite. This recipe makes a lot so feel free to cut measurements in half for a smaller crowd!

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 4 large cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 2 cups of green beans, thinly sliced

• 3 stalks of celery, thinly sliced

• 1 medium-sized sweet onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 package (about 450g) of Super Q Golden Bihon Noodles*

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups hot water (you may have to adjust this)

• 1 chicken bouillon cube or 2 tbsp chicken powder

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 3 tbsp oyster sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Calamansi or lemon

Directions

• In a large heat-safe bowl or measuring cup, dissolve chicken bouillon or powder in water. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir to combine then set aside.
• In a wok on medium-high heat, add oil and half the minced garlic. Stir and cook only for a few seconds until fragrant.
• Add carrots, green beans, celery, and onion to the wok, season lightly with salt and pepper and mix for 2-3 minutes.
• Add in sliced cabbage to the cooked vegetables and stir. Cook only for 30 seconds to a minute then remove veggies from the wok.
• Add more oil to your wok if necessary, then add the remaining garlic along with shrimp. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
• Cook shrimp for 2-4 minutes depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook.
• Remove shrimp from wok, turn heat down to medium low and pour in the soy sauce mixture.
• Add bihon noodles to the wok and let them soften. Make sure that all the noodles are covered in the liquid.
• Gently stir the noodles, allowing them to soften and absorb the liquid evenly. Adjust and add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of more water if necessary.
• Once most of the liquid is absorbed, add the veggies and shrimp back in. Mix from the bottom of your wok upwards to evenly distribute the veggies and shrimp. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
• Once everything is evenly distributed, turn off the heat, add this to a serving dish with some calamansi or lemon and enjoy!

Notes

• *Super Q Golden Bihon is my family’s tried and tested brand of choice because but feel free to use other brands if this is not accessible.

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