If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, the Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe is your perfect go-to comfort food. This beloved stir-fried noodle dish brings together tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to savor traditional Filipino flavors in a dish that’s quick to prepare and satisfying to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making this Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe truly shine. Each component plays its part in creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that makes the dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
- Vegetable oil: The perfect base for sautéing, it helps bring all the flavors together without overpowering them.
- Onion, thinly sliced: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth when cooked until fragrant.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory richness.
- Carrot, julienned: Provides a subtle crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a sweet and crisp element enhancing the dish’s freshness.
- Cabbage, shredded: Balances the noodles with gentle earthiness and texture.
- Snow peas, trimmed: Adds a touch of sweetness and a crisp bite.
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced: Brings hearty protein that cooks quickly and keeps the dish light.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Delivers subtle oceanic flavors and tender bites.
- Chicken broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that soaks into the noodles beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Essential for a salty, umami-packed punch.
- Fish sauce (optional): Adds an extra layer of depth typical in Filipino dishes.
- Pancit Canton noodles: The star ingredient, these egg noodles soak up the sauce while maintaining their chewiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Calamansi or lemon: A fresh squeeze right before serving brightens the whole dish.
- Chopped green onions: For a fresh, zesty garnish that adds color and a hint of sharpness.
How to Make Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the Pancit Canton noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling them for just a few minutes until tender but still firm. This initial step ensures your noodles maintain a perfect chewiness without becoming mushy, which is crucial for that traditional texture.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat and quickly cook the thinly sliced chicken breast and shrimp until they are just cooked through. Removing them at this stage prevents overcooking and keeps the proteins juicy and tender. Set them aside as we prepare the rest.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until their aroma fills your kitchen. Then, add the carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, cooking for a few minutes just until they become tender-crisp. This creates a nice contrast in texture, with the vegetables keeping their bite and bright colors intact.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan, then pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce if using. Stir everything together and let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors. This simmering stage is where the magic happens, allowing the sauce to develop a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Introduce the cooked Pancit Canton noodles into the pan and toss thoroughly so they absorb the flavorful broth and sauce. This step makes sure every noodle strand carries the rich taste of the sauce while blending harmoniously with the other ingredients.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot, finished with a generous squeeze of calamansi or lemon for that refreshing citrus zing, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of color and brightness.
How to Serve Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your pancit with chopped green onions and a few calamansi wedges adds just the right fresh aroma and acidity to brighten up the whole dish. These tiny touches take the taste experience up a notch and make every serving feel vibrant and special.
Side Dishes
Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Filipino sides like lumpia (spring rolls) or a simple fresh salad with a tangy dressing. These sides complement the hearty noodles without overpowering them, balancing textures and flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pancit in individual banana leaf cones or garnish with crispy fried garlic on top for extra crunch. These little presentation ideas can really elevate your home-cooked meal, making it feel more festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pancit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might absorb more liquid over time, so keeping it sealed tightly will help retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Pancit Canton if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to one month. Note that the texture of noodles may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles. Stir frequently to warm the dish evenly without drying it out, preserving its delightful flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with pork or beef?
Absolutely! Pancit Canton is versatile, and swapping chicken for pork or beef works well; just make sure to slice the meat thin for even cooking.
Is fish sauce necessary in this recipe?
Fish sauce is optional but highly recommended. It adds a distinct umami depth that enhances the traditional flavor, so try including it if you can.
What if I can’t find Pancit Canton noodles?
You can use other egg noodles or even spaghetti as a last resort, though the texture will differ slightly from authentic pancit. Just cook them according to their package instructions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and shrimp and add more vegetables or tofu. Use vegetable broth and omit fish sauce for a fully vegetarian-friendly version.
How spicy is this dish?
Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies to give it a kick according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe with you feels like inviting you into my kitchen to experience a warm, colorful, and delicious meal that’s rooted in tradition but easy to make anytime. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly and fills the room with inviting aromas. I truly hope you try it soon and make it a new favorite in your home!
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Filipino Pancit Canton Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This traditional Filipino Pancit recipe features stir-fried Pancit Canton noodles with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables all cooked in a flavorful soy and fish sauce broth. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a vibrant, comforting dish perfect for family meals or festive gatherings, served with a refreshing squeeze of calamansi or lemon and garnished with green onions.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 200 grams chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 150 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup snow peas, trimmed
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Noodles and Broth
- 200 grams Pancit Canton noodles
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Calamansi or lemon, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the Pancit Canton noodles as per the package instructions, typically by boiling them for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Drain the noodles well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Meat and Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and shrimp, cooking until they are just cooked through and no longer translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and trimmed snow peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they become tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and optional fish sauce. Stir well to combine all flavors, then simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let the mixture meld.
- Add the Noodles: Add the cooked Pancit Canton noodles to the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the flavorful sauce and to heat everything through.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh calamansi or lemon on top and garnish generously with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Fish sauce is optional but adds authentic depth; adjust according to taste and dietary preferences.
- Use freshly cooked noodles to maintain the best texture and avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with pork or tofu for variation.
- Calamansi can be replaced with lemon or lime if unavailable.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
