Filipino Pancit With Beef Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, colorful, and utterly satisfying noodle dish, look no further than Filipino Pancit With Beef. This classic stir-fried noodle recipe is a Filipino party staple, featuring tender beef, crisp veggies, and springy rice noodles tossed in a savory sauce. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering, Filipino Pancit With Beef brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to share!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—there’s nothing fussy here, just honest, flavorful components that work together beautifully. From the chewy rice noodles to the umami-rich sauces and fresh veggies, each one adds a unique taste, texture, or pop of color to the final dish.
- Pancit bihon (rice noodles): These thin, delicate noodles soak up all the savory flavors and form the heart of the dish.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying and keeping everything moving in the skillet or wok.
- Beef sirloin (thinly sliced): Quick-cooking and tender, beef sirloin soaks up the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory base that’s unmistakably Filipino.
- Onion (sliced): Sautéed onions lend a hint of sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Shredded cabbage: Cabbage softens just enough while keeping a pleasant crunch and vibrant color.
- Julienned carrots: These bring both sweetness and a bright orange hue, making the dish pop.
- Green beans (sliced): Adds texture, color, and a garden-fresh note to the mix.
- Soy sauce: For that signature salty, umami-rich Filipino flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Offers a deep, slightly sweet complexity that brings all the ingredients together.
- Fish sauce: Just a splash gives the pancit its authentic savory undertone.
- Beef broth or water: Helps the noodles cook evenly and infuses even more flavor.
- Ground black pepper: A simple touch of heat to round out the dish.
- Green onions (chopped): Fresh and punchy, perfect for finishing the pancit with brightness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A spritz of citrus ties the flavors together and adds a zesty finish.
How to Make Filipino Pancit With Beef
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Start by soaking the pancit bihon (rice noodles) in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key—softening the noodles before stir-frying ensures they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors. Once the noodles are pliable but not mushy, drain them well and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced beef sirloin and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nicely browned and just tender. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside—it’ll make a triumphant return soon!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (don’t clean it—those brown bits are flavor gold!), toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onion softens, about 1 to 2 minutes. This aromatic base is what gives Filipino Pancit With Beef its unmistakable depth.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the carrots, green beans, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the vegetables are crisp-tender and bursting with color. You want them lively, not limp!
Step 5: Build the Sauce and Combine
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, beef broth (or water), and sprinkle with black pepper. Give everything a good toss and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now add your drained noodles and toss thoroughly, making sure the noodles are coated and mingling with the beef and veggies. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the savory sauce and finish cooking through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid and everything smells absolutely irresistible, remove from heat. Top with a generous sprinkling of chopped green onions and serve Filipino Pancit With Beef immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for that final bright squeeze.
How to Serve Filipino Pancit With Beef
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really add a personal touch to Filipino Pancit With Beef. A shower of chopped green onions gives a pop of freshness, while crisp fried garlic or shallots add crunch. A wedge or two of lemon (or calamansi, if you can find it) on the side brightens up every forkful.
Side Dishes
Pair your Filipino Pancit With Beef with classic Filipino party fare: maybe some lumpia (spring rolls), a side of pickled atchara, or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad. Warm, fluffy pandesal bread is also a great way to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Filipino Pancit With Beef family-style on a big platter, or even nestle individual servings in small bowls for a more elegant look. For parties, try topping the pancit with hard-boiled egg slices or arranging the veggies and beef in pretty patterns for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the noodles cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
Filipino Pancit With Beef can be frozen, although the texture of the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled pancit in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, tossing until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While pancit bihon is traditional, you can substitute with other rice noodles or even wheat noodles in a pinch. Just adjust the soaking or cooking time as needed to ensure they don’t get mushy.
What other proteins can I add to this dish?
Feel free to get creative—shrimp, chicken, or even tofu all work beautifully with the flavors in Filipino Pancit With Beef. Combining different proteins is a classic party move in Filipino households.
Is it necessary to use both oyster sauce and fish sauce?
Using both sauces gives the dish an authentic umami depth, but if you’re missing one, just bump up the quantity of the other slightly. Keep in mind, though, that each brings its own unique flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the beef and fish sauce, and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies or toss in tofu for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian pancit.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure the noodles are well-soaked and drained before adding them to the pan. Toss them gently with the sauce and veggies, and add a little more broth if needed to help them separate and absorb flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around a platter of Filipino Pancit With Beef—every bite is a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re new to Filipino cooking or it’s a beloved family tradition, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and share it with your favorite people—you might just start a new tradition of your own!
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Filipino Pancit With Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Filipino Pancit with Beef is a savory stir-fried noodle dish made with tender strips of beef, fresh vegetables, and traditional Filipino seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Using rice noodles known as pancit bihon, this classic main course offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an authentic taste of Filipino cuisine, garnished with green onions and served with a refreshing squeeze of lemon or calamansi juice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup green beans (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soften the noodles: Soak the pancit bihon rice noodles in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes until they are softened. Drain and set aside to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is browned and tender. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are softened, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the julienned carrots, sliced green beans, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp, preserving their texture and color.
- Add beef and sauces: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, beef broth (or water), and sprinkle the ground black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Combine noodles: Add the drained rice noodles to the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the savory sauce and to evenly incorporate the beef and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb most of the liquid and heat through completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for fresh flavor and color. Serve the pancit hot with lemon wedges on the side to add a bright, tangy finish just before eating.
Notes
- For an authentic Filipino flavor, substitute lemon wedges with calamansi juice when serving.
- You can customize this dish by adding shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed variation.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Rice noodles should be soaked just until softened; avoid soaking too long as they can become mushy during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
