Name: Filipino Pancit with Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 package (8.8 ounces) Thai Vermicelli rice noodles.; 2 tablespoons canola oil.; 1 pound beef, sliced into bite-sized pieces.; 1 yellow onion, diced.; 6 cloves garlic, minced.; 2 tablespoons soy sauce.; 1 cup chicken stock.; 2 cups shredded cabbage.; 1/2 cup sliced carrots.; 3 green onions, diced.; Kosher salt and cracked pepper, to taste.

Filipino Pancit with Beef is a flavorful and quick dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This stir-fried noodle dish combines tender beef slices, fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and green onions, with Thai vermicelli noodles, all tossed together in a savory soy sauce-based sauce. The beef adds a rich and hearty flavor to the traditional pancit, making it even more satisfying. To finish, this dish can be garnished with a splash of calamansi juice or lemon wedges for a tangy burst of flavor. Serve this pancit hot for a delightful and filling meal that captures the essence of Filipino cuisine.

Filipino Pancit with Beef is a savory and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish that is quick to make and full of rich flavors. The combination of tender beef slices, rice noodles, and a medley of fresh vegetables makes this dish both hearty and nutritious. Whether you're looking for a weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to share with family and friends, this pancit is sure to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS

Beef: 1 pound of beef, sliced into bite-sized pieces, brings a rich and hearty flavor to the dish.

Thai Vermicelli Rice Noodles: 1 package (8.8 ounces) of vermicelli noodles adds a light, chewy texture that pairs well with the savory beef and vegetables.
Canola Oil: 2 tablespoons of canola oil for stir-frying the beef and vegetables, adding a neutral flavor that lets the ingredients shine.
Yellow Onion: 1 diced yellow onion adds a mild sweetness to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Garlic: 6 cloves of minced garlic for a fragrant and savory base.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons of soy sauce provide a savory and umami-rich sauce for the beef and noodles.
Chicken Stock: 1 cup of chicken stock adds moisture and depth to the dish, helping the flavors meld together.

Cabbage: 2 cups of shredded cabbage for crunch and added nutrition.
Carrots: 1/2 cup of sliced carrots adds sweetness and color to the dish.
Green Onions: 3 diced green onions for a fresh, mildly pungent flavor.
Kosher Salt and Cracked Pepper: Season to taste to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Soak the rice noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they soften and are ready to be stir-fried. Drain and set aside once soaked.
Step 2:: Slice the beef into bite-sized pieces. Dice the yellow onion and green onions, mince the garlic, and shred the cabbage. Slice the carrots thinly to ensure even cooking.
Step 3:: Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Season with kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste.
Step 4:: Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine. Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced green onions. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still have a slight crunch.
Step 5:: Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok, tossing everything together to combine well. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and mixed with the beef and vegetables.
Step 6:: Taste the pancit and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 7:: Serve the pancit hot, garnished with a splash of calamansi juice or lemon wedges for added brightness if desired. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Filipino Pancit with Beef immediately while it's hot. The flavors of the beef, vegetables, and noodles meld beautifully, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
For an authentic touch, serve with lemon wedges or calamansi on the side. A squeeze of citrus over the pancit just before eating adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the savory dish.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep the noodles from drying out.

Although pancit is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be prepared in advance for meal prep or for busy weeknights when you need a quick, reheatable meal.

Helpful Notes

You can substitute the beef with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create different variations of pancit.
For a vegetarian option, skip the beef and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
If you like a little spice, you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a kick.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Martin Yan suggests always prepping all your ingredients ahead of time (mise en place) to ensure smooth and quick stir-frying when making pancit or any noodle dish.
Chef Alvin Cailan recommends using fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to proteins and vegetables in traditional Filipino dishes like pancit.
Chef Leah Cohen advises tossing the noodles gently when mixing them with the rest of the ingredients to avoid breaking the delicate vermicelli.