Deliciously Easy: How to Make Pancit Bihon Recipe Chinese Style

In search of a simple and delicious noodle dish that you can whip up at home? Your quest ends with pancit bihon, a popular Filipino dish that frequently graces family events and special occasions. Why is it so beloved? Well, with its slender rice noodles teamed with meat, veggies, and a flavoursome sauce, pancit bihon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For a Chinese twist on this classic dish, consider trying a pancit bihon recipe Chinese style. By incorporating Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a unique and delicious version of this beloved dish. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, pancit bihon Chinese style is a dish that's sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Pancit bihon is a simple and delicious Filipino noodle dish that's perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
• By adding Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a unique and delicious version of this classic dish.
• Consider adding seafood to your pancit bihon recipe for an extra flavourful twist. Shrimp, squid, and mussels are all great options.

History and Significance

Origins of Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon, also known as rice stick noodles, is a popular Filipino dish that has its origins in Chinese cuisine. The dish was brought to the Philippines by Chinese traders and immigrants during the 16th century, and it has since become a staple in Filipino cuisine. The name "pancit" means "noodles" in Filipino, and "bihon" refers to the thin rice noodles used in the dish.

Cultural Importance in the Philippines

Pancit Bihon is a dish that is often served during special occasions such as fiestas, birthday parties, and other celebrations. The dish is believed to bring good luck and long life to those who eat it, making it a popular choice for birthdays and other milestone events. The long, uncut noodles symbolize long life, and it is believed that cutting the noodles will bring bad luck.

In addition to its cultural significance, Pancit Bihon is also a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. The dish typically includes sliced pork or chicken, vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and onions, and is seasoned with soy sauce and lemon juice. Seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish can also be added to the dish for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.

Overall, Pancit Bihon is a dish that is beloved by Filipinos and is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, Pancit Bihon is a dish that is sure to please.

Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making Chinese-style Pancit Bihon, there are a few primary ingredients that are essential to the dish. The following list details the key ingredients that you will need for this recipe:

Primary Ingredients

• Noodles: Thin rice vermicelli noodles are the most commonly used type of noodle for Pancit Bihon. However, you can also use other types of noodles, such as egg noodles or wheat noodles, if you prefer.
• Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breast is the most popular protein option for this dish. However, you can also use other types of meat, such as pork or shrimp, if you prefer.
• Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and snow peas are the most commonly used vegetables in this dish. However, you can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms, to add more flavour and texture to the dish.
• Chicken stock: Chicken stock is used to cook the noodles and to add flavour to the dish. You can also use vegetable stock or water if you prefer.

Vegetable Variations

If you want to mix up the vegetables in your Pancit Bihon, there are a few different options that you can try. For example, you could swap out the snow peas for green beans, or you could add some bean sprouts for extra crunch. You could also add some sliced onions or garlic to the dish for extra flavour.

Protein Options

While chicken is the most popular protein option for Pancit Bihon, you can also use other types of meat or seafood if you prefer. For example, you could use shrimp, pork, or even tofu to make this dish. If you do decide to use seafood, you could try using prawns or squid for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

Seasonings and Sauces

To add flavour to your Pancit Bihon, you will need to use a few different seasonings and sauces. The most important of these is soy sauce, which is used to flavour the noodles and the vegetables. You could also add some oyster sauce or fish sauce to the dish for extra umami flavour, and some black pepper to add a bit of heat. Finally, you could add some chopped spring onions or coriander to the dish for a fresh, herby flavour.

Cooking Techniques

Preparing the Noodles

Before you start cooking your Chinese-style Pancit Bihon, you need to prepare your rice vermicelli or bihon noodles. Start by soaking the noodles in water for at least 15 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set them aside.

Stir-Frying Basics

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. To stir-fry your Pancit Bihon, you will need a wok or a large cooking pan. Heat up your wok or pan over high heat until it is very hot. Add vegetable oil to the wok or pan, and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.

When the oil is hot, add your aromatics such as garlic and onion and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add your meat or seafood and stir-fry until it is cooked through. If you are using seafood, you can use prawns, squid or fish fillets.

Combining Ingredients

Once your meat or seafood is cooked, add your vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and snow peas and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. Then, add your soaked noodles to the wok or pan and stir-fry everything together until the noodles are coated with the sauce and heated through.

To finish your Pancit Bihon, add some soy sauce or fish sauce to taste, and stir-fry for a few more seconds. Serve your Chinese-style Pancit Bihon hot, garnished with some chopped scallions and a wedge of lemon.

Some cooking tips to keep in mind when making your Pancit Bihon include using a high heat and stirring constantly to prevent the noodles from sticking to the wok or pan. You can also add some water or chicken broth to the wok or pan if the noodles are too dry.

Seafood can be a delicious addition to your Pancit Bihon. You can use prawns, squid or fish fillets. Simply add them to the wok or pan after your aromatics and stir-fry until they are cooked through.

Serving and Presentation

Garnishing and Side Dishes

When it comes to serving pancit bihon Chinese style, garnishing and side dishes can make a big difference in the overall presentation and taste of the dish. A popular garnish to use is calamansi, which is a citrus fruit commonly found in the Philippines. Squeeze some calamansi juice over the pancit bihon before serving to add a tangy flavour.

Another great garnish to use is spring onions or scallions, which can be sliced thinly and sprinkled on top of the pancit bihon. This will not only add colour to the dish but also a fresh onion flavour.

For side dishes, you can serve pancit bihon with a variety of options such as lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), fried chicken, or even a simple salad. These options can complement the pancit bihon and create a well-balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pancit bihon is a dish that is easy to make and can be served on special occasions or for a family meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

If you want to add some seafood to your pancit bihon, you can use shrimp or squid. Simply sauté the seafood in garlic and oil before adding it to the pancit bihon mixture. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish.

To serve pancit bihon Chinese style, you can plate the dish on a large serving platter and use chopsticks or forks to serve. Alternatively, you can serve the pancit bihon in individual bowls or plates.

Overall, garnishing and side dishes can enhance the flavour and presentation of pancit bihon Chinese style. With a variety of serving options, pancit bihon can be a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Variations and Related Dishes

Regional Twists

Pancit Bihon is a popular Filipino dish that has many regional variations. For example, in the Visayas region, they add coconut milk to the dish, giving it a creamier texture. In the Bicol region, they use sili (chili) to give the dish a spicy kick. In the Ilocos region, they add bagoong (shrimp paste) for a savoury flavour.

Another variation is Pancit Canton, which uses thicker noodles made from wheat flour. This dish has a firmer texture and is often stir-fried with vegetables and meat.

Pancit Malabon is another noodle dish that originates from the Malabon City in the Philippines. It uses thicker rice noodles and is topped with a seafood sauce made from crab, shrimp, and squid.

Similar Noodle Dishes

If you enjoy Pancit Bihon, you may also want to try Pancit Guisado. This dish uses the same rice noodles as Pancit Bihon but is stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and meat. It is a staple dish in Filipino cuisine and is often served at parties and gatherings.

Another similar dish is Pancit Palabok, which uses rice noodles that are thicker than Pancit Bihon. It is topped with a shrimp sauce and garnished with boiled eggs, crushed chicharon (pork cracklings), and green onions.

If you want to try a Chinese version of the dish, you can try Hokkien noodles. These are thick wheat noodles that are often stir-fried with vegetables and meat. They are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and can be found in many Chinese restaurants.

If you want to add seafood to your Pancit Bihon, you can use shrimp, squid, or crab meat. Simply add the seafood to the dish when you add the vegetables and meat. This will give the dish a seafood flavour that complements the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for a classic Chinese-style Pancit Bihon?

For a classic Chinese-style Pancit Bihon, you will need bihon or rice sticks, pork, chicken, and vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and onions. You may also add seafood such as shrimps, squid, or fish. Other essential ingredients include soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and black pepper.

How can I make a simple and easy Pancit Bihon with a Chinese twist?

To make a simple and easy Pancit Bihon with a Chinese twist, you can use the traditional ingredients such as bihon, pork, chicken, and vegetables. Then, add some Chinese sausages or chorizo, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy. You can also add some Chinese five-spice powder for a more authentic Chinese flavour.

Which is the best recipe for a Chinese-style Pancit Bihon?

There are many recipes for Chinese-style Pancit Bihon available online. You can try different recipes and choose the one that suits your taste buds. You may also experiment with different ingredients to create your own version of Pancit Bihon.

Can you suggest a way to include chicken in a Chinese-style Pancit Bihon?

To include chicken in a Chinese-style Pancit Bihon, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into small pieces and marinate them with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. Then, stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and set it aside. Add the chicken to the Pancit Bihon when the noodles are almost done.

What's the perfect side dish to complement Pancit Bihon?

The perfect side dish to complement Pancit Bihon is Lumpia or Filipino-style spring rolls. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables such as atchara or papaya salad.

What's the British English term for 'bihon'?

The British English term for 'bihon' is rice sticks.