Pancit Palabok is a beloved Filipino noodle dish known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting texture. This dish features rice noodles slathered in a savory garlic sauce, topped with a luscious shrimp broth, and garnished with a medley of toppings, including chicharrón (crispy pork skin), hard-boiled eggs, and green onions. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals, embodying the essence of Filipino cuisine.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love Pancit Palabok for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The umami-rich shrimp broth pairs beautifully with the soft rice noodles, while the toppings add layers of crunch and freshness. It’s a relatively easy dish to whip up, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use rice noodles, catering to various dietary preferences. The vibrant colors and fragrant aroma will impress your guests, ensuring that this dish is a hit at any meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a bit of shrimp paste (bagoong) or even a splash of soy sauce to the broth.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought shrimp broth instead of making your own.
- Experiment with the toppings; feel free to add more vegetables like sautéed cabbage or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Make Ahead Tips
To streamline your cooking process, you can prepare the broth and toppings a day in advance. The shrimp broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the chicharrón can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. The noodles can also be pre-soaked and kept in the fridge, but it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal texture.
Recipe Variations
- For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp and pork with sautéed tofu and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.
- Add a twist by incorporating different proteins like chicken or pork belly.
- Spice it up by adding a few slices of chili or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How to Serve
Serve Pancit Palabok hot, layered on a large platter or individual bowls. Top generously with chicharrón, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and freshly chopped green onions. A sprinkle of calamansi or lime juice just before serving adds a zesty brightness. For an authentic presentation, offer additional soy sauce and chili oil on the side.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement the savory flavors of Pancit Palabok, consider serving it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light beer. A side of lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls) or a simple garden salad can enhance the meal. For dessert, a slice of leche flan or a bowl of halo-halo would provide a perfect sweet finish.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the broth and noodles separately; the broth will keep for about a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Equipment Needed
- A large pot for cooking the broth
- A frying pan for sautéing the garlic and other ingredients
- A separate pot for boiling the noodles
- A colander for draining the noodles
- A sharp knife for slicing toppings
Dietary Adaptations
To make Pancit Palabok vegan, substitute shrimp and pork with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetable-based broth instead of shrimp broth. To make it gluten-free, ensure that your soy sauce and any other sauces used are gluten-free, and stick to rice noodles.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh vegetables such as snap peas or bell peppers for a crunchy texture. In the colder months, you can incorporate roasted root vegetables for added warmth and heartiness. Using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the dish’s flavor profile, depending on what’s in season.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use regular pasta instead of rice noodles? While it is possible, the texture and flavor will differ. Rice noodles are traditional for Pancit Palabok.
- How can I make the broth thicker? To thicken the broth, you can dissolve a bit of cornstarch in cold water and stir it into the simmering broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- What if I don’t have shrimp? You can substitute with chicken or even skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Pancit Palabok
Pancit Palabok is a beloved Filipino noodle dish known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rice noodles
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups shrimp broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicharrón (crispy pork skin), crushed
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Lemon or calamansi wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the shrimp broth and fish sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering broth to thicken it, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the soaked rice noodles to the broth and gently toss to coat the noodles in the sauce.
- Serve the noodles on a large platter, topped with the cooked shrimp, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and crushed chicharrón.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lemon or calamansi wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 652Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 644mgSodium: 4069mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 69g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Pancit Palabok is a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its unique flavors and comforting textures, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Once you try making this delightful noodle dish, you’ll find it hard to resist its charm and may even want to share it with friends and family. Embrace the flavors of Filipino cuisine, and enjoy every bite of this culinary gem!
