The Philippines is well known for having numerous cuisines. Some of them like saucy, stewed, fried, noodles, steamed, and many more. Their primary ingredients are pork, chicken, fish, and beef. However, they also use different kinds of vegetables to add a more savory effect. Desserts are also part of their worldwide popular cuisines.
Hence, in this article, we would like to focus on a special menu, a course that can provide a new dimension to your dining table. And also, can ease your cravings instantly. Filipinos are proud to introduce this delightful dish because of its unique yet outstanding savory effect to everybody. Its taste can provide satisfaction that can keep you from wanting more from it. It is the Pancit Palabok dish.
Moreover, this noodle dish consists of different compounds that can level up its taste. Besides, many Filipinos serve these recipes together with rice and other courses. But if you are not familiar and used to this cuisine, you can have it as a Merienda. Merienda is a term for a snack. As you know, Filipinos typically have their dishes together with rice and used to eat some noodle recipes with it. But, most of the time, they serve it as Merienda on every occasion that they have.
Furthermore, in this article, we will give you the information you need to understand these recipes. We provide some details that concern you, section by section. And to start the progress, join us as we provide those data. Keep on navigating as we introduce this course to you. And explore the wonders of this cuisine. Enjoy Reading!
What are these Filipino Pancit Palabok Recipes?
This cuisine is a type of edibles that uses noodles as its primary compound. Shrimp sauce is the sauce that you need to prepare to have this delightful dish. Aside from that, hard-boiled egg, cooked shrimp, boiled meat, fried tofu, Tinapa flakes, spring onion, fried garlic, crushed Chicharon, scallion, and squid rings are the sub compound that they use as the toppings of this meal.
On the other hand, since Pinoys are using noodles in this course, we believe it is not an original dish from the Philippines. It more likely comes from the Chinese people. As we know, when it comes to noodle dishes, the Chinese people are most popular. However, Pinoys put some effort into making it their own.
Bihon is the term that Filipinos use to classify the noodles they use in making our star dish. It is also the same compound that they usually prepare in making the typical Pancit that they have. The only difference is, they soak this noodle in cold water to soften it and maintain its stretchy texture. It also provides white color that can give a great impression with the shrimp sauce’s orange color. After soaking, you can now cook it in your boiling mixture. But make sure that you do it with the maximum time of 2 minutes to 3 minutes only, to avoid overcooking. You also need to do constant stirring to balance the heat in each strand of it.
On that note, to know more about these delicious recipes, make sure that you stay and keep on navigating this article. We will provide other information to give you the knowledge about this cuisine. Plus, we also give you some data that can explain the other side of our star dish. So, enjoy browsing, and let us explore more of these recipes.
Ways to Cook these Filipino Pancit Palabok Noodles Recipes
In preparing meals, there are some cases that you need more ways that can suit your taste and because it is more available in your kitchen. Today, we listed some of the methods that might help you to prepare your course easier. It includes the following;
- Using wok
These are some instances that you have difficulties in tossing and flipping your compounds. That is why you need a more convenient tool to use. But, don't worry about that, using wok can provide you that satisfaction. This method is the easiest way for tossing and flipping. This method can help you to mix your elements more effortlessly and straightforwardly.
Furthermore, in using this method, you can avoid constant sticking compounds in your pan. As you know, it is not healthy for everyone if your compounds stick in your pan. It may cause burning to it and gives an uneasy taste that you don't like. A wok is a useful material, especially when you stir-frying and making sauce. You can see this tool in many restaurants out there.
As we mentioned earlier, it is easy and convenient to prepare your meal. That is why most people use this pan. It also has a deep structure that can avoid spilling sauces. Plus, it has a holder that can help you support the pan during tossing and flipping. Besides, this wok is scratch-free.
- Using instant pot
Like other pots out there, using this instant pot can quickly solve your problem, especially when you don't have time to prepare a meal independently. This pot can help a hand while you are busy doing other things. The instant pot is more convenient to use because it has a set time. You can set your time and end it on your expected period.
In cooking a meal in this pot, you need to put all your compounds inside of it. Set the time and wait until the time ends. After that, put the thickening agent that you have and simmer it again. Constant stirring needs to perform while boiling the sauce. You can now pour it into your noodles and top with the elements you want in your dish.
- Using slow cooker
This method can provide an excellent job in cooking your sauce nicely. You don't need so much effort in performing this method. You need to put all your compounds in and set the time that you need. It needs more time than the other because of its slow preparation process. Plus, it can also release the so much savory taste of your elements while boiling. That is why considering it is an excellent choice.
Preparing a meal in this pot takes 120 minutes to 180 minutes longer than the regular pan because of its slow process. However, it doesn’t require too much attention while using it. Because it also has a time setting. It is useful because you can avoid burning and overdoing your meal.
Variation of Recipe
There is some variation that you can have. That is why in this section, we provide a list that you can consider. It can also help you to choose what variety can suit you most. It includes the following;
- Stir-fried
There are some cases that many people want thicker elements than the usual Pancit that you are familiar with. The difference is the thickness of the noodles. Plus, it’s drier than your typical Palabok. You can also put some nuts as a garnish and provide an additional savory taste and crunchy texture. You can also consider the other element option if you want.
For the Filipinos, they call it Pancit Malabon. Its origin is from Malabon City, Metro Manila. It contains a yellow-orange hue from the annatto seeds or Achuete, with the participation of shrimp broth, seasoned with Patis and crab fat. They also include cooked shrimp, squid, smoked Bangus, oysters, or mussels. You can also put some pork, hard-boiled duck or hen egg, crushed Chicharon, chopped spring onions, golden-brown fried garlic, and with the side of Calamansi or lemon juice.
- Vegan Palabok
There are some cases that some people choose to have a healthy lifestyle, far from the oily and greasy compounds that are in the numerous meals. That is why they become eager to have an alternative for it. This section provides some information to help you find those alternatives that can suit some individuals’ tastes. We have some details that you can consider in preparing this variety.
The only problem is the pork and sea animal compound of this cuisine. That is why we need to eliminate it to achieve this kind of meal. If you are a vegetarian, you can change this element with mushrooms. Some mushrooms have an excellent texture and taste that is somehow similar to these meats. Like for example, the shiitake mushroom. It has a soft and chewy texture and salty taste that is similar to pork.
Furthermore, adding many vegetables can also help you build the structure you want in your meal. Each of the vegetables you include can provide crunchy and healthy substances to ease meats’ longing. That is why it’s the better way to consider having your vegan variation. You can also use tofu to put some structure in your meal.
- Low-carb Palabok recipes
At this moment, there are a lot of individuals who want to reduce their weight. They develop a trending diet that has a significant effect worldwide, which is the Low-carb method. It requires so much fewer carbohydrates from the nourishment that they take. That is why many of them are thankful for some recipes that have this variation.
In performing this variety, pork, chicken,, and beef are not the problems because they are the primary nourishment they need while doing this diet. The only problem is the noodles with a lot of carb content and some vegetables with sugar and carb content. That is why it’s a matter of eliminating and substituting the process to achieve the Low-carb diet.
The alternative compound you can substitute from the regular noodles you use in this course is the shirataki noodle products. It has two option sizes, thick and thin, or you can call it spaghetti shirataki and angel hair shirataki. It has low carbs content and no sugar levels. That is why it is an excellent choice to have.
In making the sauce of your Palabok, you can use seafood stock and beef broth with low counts of sugar and carbs. Then add the annatto color, seasoning, Patis, pepper, and some Himalayan salt. For thickening the sauce, you can add whites from the egg. Or you can pan-fry it if you want it, dyer.
You can then put the cooked shrimp, squid, smoked Bangus, oysters, or mussels for the toppings. You can also put some pork, hard-boiled duck or hen egg, crushed Chicharon, chopped spring onions, golden-brown fried garlic, and some cabbage.
Troubleshooting
You can't avoid some instances in the kitchen that can give you headaches, especially if you are a beginner. That is why this section has some remedies that can help you to solve that matter. We listed some of the best troubleshooting for some common instances that most of you are experiencing. It includes the following;
- Too bland
It is the most uncomplicated instance that you can resolve efficiently. Some individuals are cautious about putting seasonings in their meals. As a result, they produce a too bland mixture. It happens when they are health conscious or just a newbie in the kitchen. But, don't you worry about that. We come up with a list that you can look up when you experience these instances.
In adjusting the taste of your meal, you can put salt and another liquid seasoning. You can use Patis. It contains saltiness that can provide enough flavor to your mixture. But, ensure that you put enough of it because if not, it can also cause another trouble. Also, while you are pouring it, constant stirring is essential. Plus, give it a taste to control and know if you put enough salinity.
- Too salty
You can count it as the most challenging thing to resolve. Meals that have higher salinity content can affect your interest and appetite in an instant. That is why you need to be careful and cautious to put so much seasoning in your mixture. The quick remedies also have a vital role in making your dish less salty.
The better remedy is to pour some unsalted liquids like water. You can also use shrimp broth, chicken stock, and vegetable broth to give some savory flavor. That way, you can lessen the salinity and make it more delightful. But make sure that you put enough of it to avoid extra trouble. As you know, if you pour so much, it can become too bland. The astonishing thing to do is to taste it after you pour the liquid. Also, constant stirring works well to balance and mix your compounds properly.
- Too runny
Too much liquid in your mixture can also affect some people’s impression and interest, which is why you need to make it more consistent and thick. Sometimes pouring so much liquid and broth can result in having a too runny mixture. So, you need a quick response in this matter.
To make it thicker, make sure that you put a slurry mixture. It is the combination of half cornstarch and half water. The same amount of both of these compounds is what you need to solve this problem. Boiling your mixture is also essential while putting this slurry.
Upon pouring this blend, stirring takes part. A constant stirring is what you need to avoid curdling mixture. Little by little, pour the slurry and control the thickness of your mix. You can see if the combination thickens when your constant stirring becomes hard. That way you can now enjoy your meal perfectly.
Take note, ensure that you put the right amount to avoid another trouble. It is better to put it on time to control its thickness.
- Too thick
If your mixture is too thick, it is hard to mix with your noodles. That is why adjusting its consistency is essential. In making it less dense, ensure that you pour the right compound. You can put water in it. Shrimp broth, chicken stock, seafood stock, and vegetable broth can also work well. However, make sure that it has taste already to balance the seasoning you already have in your mixture.
In preparing your mix, pour the liquid into the pot. A constant stirring also has a vital role in balancing the density and consistency of your sauce. Ensure that you carefully pour the right amount to avoid an additional problem. It is better to put it little by little. That way, you can control it correctly. You can also adjust the taste if you need it by placing some seasoning.
Trivia
There is some information that you need to know when it comes to this Palabok dish. It can help you to understand what these recipes can offer. Plus, it can guide you to know the compounds that you put in your mixture. We listed some of the details that you need, especially the nutrients that it contains. Also, the benefits that it can give you. It includes the following;
Shrimp
It is a kind of seafood that you usually use in numerous courses that you have. It has a unique taste that has an addictive effect on your taste buds. But for some reason, it also contains some nutrients that can provide benefits to your health, especially to your body. These nutrients include the following;
In 3 ounces or 85 grams of it, you can get the following;
- Calories: 84
- Protein: 18 grams
- Selenium: 48% of RDI
- Vitamin B12: 21% of RDI
- Iron: 15% of RDI
- Phosphorus: 12% of RDI
- Niacin: 11% of RDI
- Zinc: 9% of RDI
- Magnesium: 7% of RDI
Shrimp is a typical kind of shell animal. It contains many amounts of cholesterol that is why sometimes some people say that it is unhealthy. However, it also has high counts of iodine that you can’t find in other elements. Iodine has a vital role in proper thyroid function and brain health.
This shell animal is also a good source of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids and an astaxanthin antioxidant that might contain a health benefit. Astaxanthin is a component of algae that this sea animal consumes. In return, it becomes the primary source of astaxanthin. Also, the redness of it is from this antioxidant.
There are also some benefits that this shellfish has, it includes the following;
- It has a substance that can prevent the risk of specific cancer.
- It can help in weight loss and maintenance.
- It can maintain excellent eyesight.
- It can strengthen your bones.
- It is a mood booster and brain health.
- It can improve skin health.
- It can reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- It can provide some benefits for most women’s health.
Pork
Pork is one of the typical compounds in numerous courses. It contains a unique taste that can provide a savory flavor to your meal. However, today, it has a vital role in our star dish. This dish uses it as a topping in these recipes. Yet, it is also a nutritional content that might provide an excellent benefit for your body. It includes the following;
In 3.5 ounces or 100 grams of it, you can get the following nutrients:
- Calories: 297
- Water: 53%
- Protein: 25.7 grams
- Carbs: o grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Fat: 20.8 grams
Besides, for all the meat out there, it is an excellent source of protein. The protein cooked lean meat content is around 26% by fresh weight. When it is dry, the protein content is as high as 89%, which is why you can consider it one of the wealthiest dietary sources of protein. Also, it contains all essential nine amino acids imperative in the body’s growth and maintenance.
Moreover, this meat and other kinds of it can be more beneficial for bodybuilders, recovering athletes, people-post surgery, and other individuals who need to build up and repair muscles.
Furthermore, it also has some amounts of fats. The fat’s normal proportional part is about 10 to 16%, but depending on trimming and other factors, it can go higher. Thus, sometimes there is a cooking fat from the clarified pig fat you can use to prepare your meal. You can call it lard.
This compound also composes saturated fats and unsaturated fats like the other red meat type with approximately equal amounts. The fatty acid composition of it differs from the ruminant animal’s meat like lamb and beef.
There are also some vitamins and minerals that you can have in this meat. It includes the following:
- Thiamine - is an essential B vitamin that has an excellent role in some bodily functions. And unlike beef and lamb, it is rich in thiamine.
- Selenium - derived nourishment like egg, meat, seafood, and dairy products are good sources of this mineral.
- Zinc - is a kind of mineral that has a vital role in brain function and the immune system.
- Vitamin B12 - also has an essential role in brain function and blood formation. Lack of this vitamin can cause anemia and damage to neurons.
- Vitamin B6 - is another vitamin that is essential in the formation of red blood cells.
- Niacin - is also well known as vitamin B3. And has a vital role in growth and metabolism.
- Phosphorus - is a large component of people’s diets. It also has an essential role in growth and maintenance.
- Iron - unlike beef and lamb, it has a smaller amount of iron. Still, the absorption of iron from your digestive tract is very systematic. You can consider it as an excellent source of iron.
On the other hand, it also has other compounds that have a benefit in our body. It includes the following;
- Creatine - is a constant energy source of your muscles. It can improve muscle growth and maintenance, so it is one of the most popular supplements for bodybuilders.
- Taurine - is a nutrient that you can get from fish and meat. It is an antioxidant amino acid that your body has. In dietary intake, it might be beneficial for heart and muscle functions.
- Glutathione - is another antioxidant that you can get from meat. Yet, it can produce in your body also.
- Cholesterol - is a sterol nutrient that you can get from meat and other derived foods like eggs and dairy products. Still, control of cholesterol intake is preferable.
Squid
It is a kind of sea animal that is edible. You can also include it in any course. It has a unique taste and texture that everyone can enjoy. It has a soft texture and milky taste that complement numerous cuisines out there. Still, it also has many nutrients that can provide a beneficial factor in your body. It includes the following;
In 4 ounces of raw squid, you can get the following;
- Calories: 104
- Protein: 18 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
It is a part of the family of oysters, scallops, and octopus. Some people serve this as fried, which is well known as calamari. However, squid’s fat content becomes high due to the kind of oil you use in frying it. Also, it is high in saturated fat or trans fat, and again, it depends on the type of oil you use upon frying squid.
There are some benefits that you can get5 from squid. It includes the following;
- It is rich in protein.
- It can help to lose weight.
- It has low calories.
- It can offer Omega 3 fatty acids.
- It contains vitamins and minerals that stabilize your health.
Tips
This section contains some information that can help you to prepare this Pancit Palabok. It can serve as your guidelines in making your recipes more delightful. These tips include the following;
- Ensure that you wash your vegetables and other compounds properly.
- Soak your noodles in cold liquid until it separates from each other and becomes soft and white.
- Drain your Bihon, soak into the boiling mixture for about 2 mins to 3 mins, and perform constant stirring.
- In preparing the sauce, ensure that you make it thicker but not too much.
- You can add shrimp knorr cubes to make it tastier.
- Don't make your garlic burn because it can give a bitter taste that can affect your mixture.
- Use annatto seeds to put some color. You can also use annatto powder that you can buy at the grocery store. It also works well.
- Don’t overcook the squid because it can become stiff and rubber-like.
Excellent Served with
Pairing this Pancit Palabok in other courses can provide a level up savory flavor that can keep you from eating more. The combination of this dish to others has surprising chemistry that no one can explain. We listed some of the courses that you can try with our star dish. It includes the following;
- Steamed rice - like other cuisines, most Pinoys like to eat our star dish with their rice. As you know, they are well known for having a big appetite with the presence of rice. This course has a specific taste that can balance the saltiness of this meal. That is why considering it is an excellent option.
- Pandesal - is a kind of wheat bread that Pinoy has. It has a soft and foamy texture that contains sweetness that can counter the saltiness of our star dish. It is a perfect breakfast to consider with the side coffee.
- Fried chicken - the crispiness of this fried meal contains excellent chemistry that our star dish. The dry texture of it can incorporate our star dish mixture. The saltiness from both of these courses can provide an outstanding combo that can boost your appetite to keep you from wanting more. That is why having it in your meal is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
We hope that we help you with the information that we have about this Pancit Palabok cuisine. Each of these sections has the details that concern you the most. However, if you come across some instances, take a look at the troubleshooting section that we provide. These remedies can give you some help to resolve the common trouble in the kitchen.
Furthermore, we also include some tips that can guide you in the preparation of this delightful meal. You can also browse the trivia section to know more about this cuisine. It can give you an idea about what the other side of this course can offer.
So, to give this an end, grab your spatula and cook this delicious cuisine. Share it with your family, and provide the most remarkable impression that you want. You can also include this course on every occasion that you have. Enjoy eating! Thank you!
For more recipes, visit Eat Like Pinoy!
Recipe
Superb Pancit Palabok Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bihon or rice noodles
- 2 teaspoon Annatto Oil
- ½ cup Shrimp peeled (head and tail)
- ½ cup Ground Pork
- 1 cup Chicharon crushed
- 1 cup Smoked fish crushed
- 1 cup Peanut crushed
- 6 pcs Calamansi
- ½ cup Spring onion sliced
- 1 pc Onion large size
- 2 pcs Boiled eggs sliced
- 8 cloves Garlic minced
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- 5 cups Water
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in a pot with water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Get the shrimp, remove the head, and then put it into a separate bowl.
- Then, smash the shrimp's heads and add water to get the puree. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pot. Sauté garlic until golden brown and transfer half of the sauteed garlic into a bowl. Set aside.
- Add the onions into the pot with the ground pork. Cook and stir well.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, fish sauce and the shrimp's head puree. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauteed ingredients from the pot and set aside.
- In another pan, combine 5 cups of water, annatto oil, and cornstarch. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cornstarch is melted. Stir continuously until the sauce became thick. Set aside.
- In a separate pot, bring water to boil with the rice noodles. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked rice noodles onto 4 plates equally and pour the sauteed sauce on top.
- Get the crushed chicharon, crushed peanuts, cooked garlic, sauteed ingredients, and put them on the top of the Palabok. Put the sliced boiled eggs on top and sprinkle with sliced spring onions.
- Serve with calamansi and enjoy!