If you have ever wanted to explore the heartwarming flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine, this Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe is the perfect place to start. It combines tender, savory strips of beef with delicate pancit bihon noodles and crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious soy and oyster sauce blend. The result is a dish that is not only packed with texture and rich flavors but also incredibly satisfying and comforting, making it a beloved meal to share around the table with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward by using simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its signature taste and texture. From the silky rice noodles that soak up all the delicious sauces, to the fresh vegetables bringing a natural crunch and vibrant color, every item is chosen with care to elevate the dish.
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles): These thin noodles soften beautifully and absorb the sauce perfectly for a luscious texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced): Tender and flavorful, it’s the star protein that adds hearty umami.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic’s aromatic punch is essential for that unmistakable savory base.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to translucency.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Provides crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup carrots (julienned): Brightens the dish with color and a hint of earthiness.
- 1/2 cup green beans or snow peas (optional): Adds fresh snap and a subtle green flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties the dish together.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: This sauce brings a rich, slightly sweet depth to the noodles.
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional): Amplifies umami with a distinctly Filipino twist.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the savory notes.
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water: Keeps the noodles moist and helps the flavors meld.
- Lemon wedges and chopped green onions for garnish: These fresh touches brighten each bite just before serving.
How to Make Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Noodles
Begin by soaking your pancit bihon noodles in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes until they become tender but not mushy. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful sauce flavors later. Drain them and set aside, ready for tossing in the final step.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin and sear it quickly for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it begins to brown but is not fully cooked through. This helps retain tenderness. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic and sliced onions until fragrant and translucent—this step fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and green beans or snow peas if using. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes to soften slightly while preserving some crunch.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauces
Return the seared beef to the skillet, then pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce if you’re using it. Sprinkle ground black pepper and add beef broth or water to create a light sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles
Add your softened pancit bihon noodles to the pan. Using tongs, toss thoroughly so the noodles soak up all the savory sauce and mix evenly with the beef and vegetables. Heat the entire dish through for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to marry all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A classic touch to this Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe is topping it off with freshly chopped green onions and bright lemon wedges. The green onions add a fresh, sharp bite, while squeezing lemon juice just before eating gives the dish a zingy lift that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
While pancit is often enjoyed as a complete meal, pairing it with some simple Filipino sides like atchara (pickled papaya) or a crisp cucumber salad adds contrasting textures and flavors. These sides refresh the palate and create a more festive dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, consider serving the pancit on a banana leaf for an authentic touch or in individual lettuce cups for a light, fun way to enjoy it. Adding a fried egg on top or a handful of toasted garlic bits can also add extra flair and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles continue to soak in the sauce overnight, often resulting in even more flavor the next day.
Freezing
While it can be frozen, freezing rice noodles sometimes affects texture, making them a bit softer on reheating. If you choose to freeze, store portions tightly wrapped in freezer-safe containers and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pancit gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! While pancit bihon is traditional, you can substitute with egg noodles or even vermicelli. Just adjust the soaking and cooking time as needed to prevent mushiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe?
Yes, by omitting the beef and fish sauce and adding tofu, mushrooms, or more vegetables, you can create a satisfying vegetarian pancit that is just as flavorful.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little sugar as a substitute, but the flavor will be sweeter and less savory than the original oyster sauce’s umami depth.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce to give it some heat tailored to your taste.
What occasions is Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe typically served for?
Pancit is a celebratory dish often enjoyed during birthdays, holidays, or gatherings as it symbolizes long life and good health, making it a meaningful and tasty centerpiece for any table.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe, it’s going to become one of those go-to dishes you want to make again and again. It’s straightforward to prepare, richly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a shot—you’ll fall in love with its combination of textures and traditional Filipino flavors in every mouthwatering bite!
Print
Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Filipino Pancit with Beef is a flavorful and hearty stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender beef sirloin, fresh vegetables, and classic Filipino seasonings like soy sauce and oyster sauce. This traditional recipe uses pancit bihon (rice noodles) that soak up the savory sauce for a satisfying main course perfect for family meals or celebrations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1/2 cup green beans or snow peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak the pancit bihon noodles in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes until they are softened. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside for later use.
- Cook Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent. Then add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and green beans or snow peas if using. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), ground black pepper, and beef broth or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all the flavors well.
- Toss Noodles: Add the soaked pancit noodles to the pan. Using tongs, toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them with the sauce and evenly mix with beef and vegetables. Continue cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pancit hot, garnished with chopped green onions and lemon wedges on the side to add freshness and brightness as desired.
Notes
- Pancit is highly customizable–you can add shrimp, chicken, or other vegetables according to your preference.
- For best flavor, allow leftovers to rest overnight; the flavors meld beautifully improving taste the next day.
- Use beef broth if you want deeper savory flavors; water works as a lighter substitute.
- Adjust soy sauce and fish sauce according to your salt preference.
