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Quick and Easy Pancit: A Taste of the Philippines

Pancit, a traditional Filipino noodle dish, is a vibrant celebration of flavours, textures, and colourful ingredients. It’s a staple in Filipino cuisine, often served during special occasions and gatherings to symbolise long life and good fortune. With its diverse array of ingredients, pancit can be easily customised to suit your taste and available ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore a quick and easy recipe for pancit, perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

For this quick and easy pancit recipe, you’ll need:

• 200g rice noodles (bihon or vermicelli)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 100g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 200g cooked chicken (or prawns, tofu, or any protein of your choice), shredded or sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 15–20 minutes until they’re softened. Drain and set aside. If you’re using dried noodles, follow the package instructions for cooking.

2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

3. Add the Vegetables:
Toss in the carrots, red bell pepper, and green beans. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3–5 minutes until they’re just tender but still maintain a bit of crunch.

4. Incorporate the Protein:
Add the cooked chicken (or your protein of choice) to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the flavours to meld for about 2 minutes.

5. Combine with the Noodles:
Add the drained rice noodles to the pan, followed by the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and broth. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and the noodles to absorb the flavours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the pancit to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Additional Tips

• Vegetarian/Vegan Variation: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth. You can also increase the variety of vegetables by adding capsicum, baby corn, or mushrooms.

• Spice it Up: Feel free to add some sliced chilli or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

• Customising Flavours: Pancit is incredibly versatile. Experiment with different sauces, proteins, and vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Conclusion

This quick and easy pancit recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Philippines to your home. It’s perfect for a family meal, potluck, or even a casual Friday night dinner. The vibrant colours and palate-pleasing flavours will surely impress family and friends alike. So why not give this delightful dish a try? You may just find it becoming a regular feature on your dinner table!

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