Pancit Palabok Recipe: Simple and Delicious

Pancit Palabok is a well-loved Filipino noodle dish, known for its rich, flavorful sauce made with shrimp, pork, and garlic.

This dish is commonly served during celebrations but is easy enough to enjoy at any time. Its bright orange sauce, paired with a variety of toppings, makes it not only delicious but visually appealing.

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling noodles

Pan for cooking the sauce

Strainer

Mixing spoon

Serving platter

Ingredients

200g rice noodles (bihon)

250g ground pork

200g shrimp, peeled and chopped

4 cups shrimp stock (or water)

2 tbsp annatto seeds (for color) or 1 tbsp annatto powder

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

3 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tbsp water

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

Hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Crushed chicharrón (pork cracklings)

Green onions, chopped

Fried garlic

Calamansi (or lime) wedges

Smoked fish flakes (optional)

Directions

Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 25 minutes, Total time: 40 minutes

Prepare the Noodles: Boil water in a large pot and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Annatto Oil: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, add annatto seeds, and stir until the oil turns orange. Remove the seeds and set the oil aside.

Cook the Sauce: In a pan, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the ground pork and cook until browned. Add shrimp and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the shrimp stock, fish sauce, and annatto oil. Let it simmer.

Thicken the Sauce: Add the dissolved cornstarch to the mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Dish: Arrange the cooked noodles on a serving platter. Pour the sauce over the noodles, making sure to cover them well.

Add Toppings: Garnish with hard-boiled eggs, crushed chicharrón, green onions, fried garlic, smoked fish flakes (if using), and calamansi on the side.

How to Serve

Pancit Palabok is typically served with calamansi or lime on the side, allowing each person to squeeze some over their serving for a zesty kick. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone dish.

Variations

For a seafood twist, you can substitute the ground pork with crab meat or use a combination of seafood like squid and mussels.

Vegetarian versions can be made by omitting the pork and shrimp, replacing them with tofu or mushrooms.

Final Word

Pancit Palabok offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the savory sauce to the crunchy toppings.

It’s a dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of the Philippines!