One-Pan Pancit Bihon Recipe: Quick Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles

When you think of Filipino food, Pancit Bihon often comes to mind. This classic noodle dish is flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples.

Pancit Bihon features thin, translucent bihon noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a protein—commonly chicken, pork, or shrimp. It’s a versatile recipe that works as a main course or a side dish at family gatherings and everyday meals.

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What is Pancit Bihon?

Pancit (also spelled pansit) is a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish with roots in Chinese cuisine. The term “pancit” comes from the Hokkien phrase “pian e sit,” meaning “something cooked quickly.”

Pancit Bihon specifically uses thin bihon noodles, made from rice or cornstarch. These noodles cook quickly, absorb flavors well, and are ideal for one-pan stir-fry preparations.

Across the Philippines, many pancit varieties exist—Pancit Canton, Pancit Palabok, Pancit Malabon, Pancit Sotanghon, and Pancit Miki—yet Pancit Bihon remains a popular everyday and celebratory dish for its simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love Making Pancit Bihon

• Easy to prepare: With basic ingredients and a single pan or wok, pancit bihon comes together quickly—great for weeknights.
• Flexible and fun: Use whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand. It’s great to make solo or with family.
• Budget-friendly: Affordable ingredients and the ability to use leftovers make this a cost-effective meal.
• Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a balanced, home-cooked alternative to takeout.

What To Eat with Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon is commonly served as a main or side dish. It complements many Filipino favorites and is frequently included in celebrations like birthdays and family gatherings. Popular pairings include:

• Chicken Adobo
• Lumpia Shanghai (Filipino egg rolls)
• Pork Belly Sisig
• Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers

How to Store Pancit Bihon

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop; add a splash of water or chicken stock to rehydrate the noodles. You can also freeze pancit bihon for up to one month—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb pork, chicken, or shrimp, sliced or cut into small pieces
• Kosher salt, to taste
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup carrots, shredded
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 8 oz bihon noodles (rice or cornstarch)

Bihon noodles are widely available at Asian grocery stores and online. Thin sliced proteins like pork belly, chicken breast, or shrimp cook quickly and integrate well into the dish.

Pancit Sauce and Seasoning

• ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp patis (fish sauce)
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 4 cups chicken stock, plus more as needed
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Adding Chinese five-spice, oyster sauce, and patis enhances depth and umami, but adjust quantities to suit your taste.

Garnish

• Lemon or calamansi wedges
• Chopped green onion

Recipe

Cook the Meat and Vegetables

1. Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat with a little oil. Lightly salt the meat and cook until done. Remove and set aside, leaving the pan drippings.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pan; cook until softened and aromatic.
3. Add the remaining vegetables and cook 3–5 minutes until just tender-crisp.

Prepare the Sauce Mixture

1. In a bowl, whisk together Chinese five-spice (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, patis, and sugar.
2. Stir in the chicken stock and pour the mixture into the pan with vegetables. Cover and bring to a gentle boil.

Cook the Noodles

1. Once the liquid is boiling, add the bihon noodles. After a few minutes, flip or separate the noodle sheet so it rehydrates evenly; use a spatula or chopsticks to loosen the strands.
2. Toss the noodles until they absorb the stock.
3. Add the cooked meat back into the pan and toss to combine. Season with cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onion and a squeeze of lemon or calamansi.

Final Thoughts

Pancit Bihon is a timeless Filipino favorite—simple, flexible, and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a comforting weeknight meal, this one-pan noodle dish is reliable and satisfying. Try it with your preferred protein and vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and enjoy a taste of Filipino comfort food at home.