If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender beef, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles all coated in a rich, savory sauce, you’ve come to the right place. This Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures, showcasing the magic of simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a festive occasion, this classic Filipino noodle dish is guaranteed to warm hearts and fill appetites with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is delightfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that unmistakable taste, texture, and color that define Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe. From the softness of the rice noodles to the savory depth of the beef and sauces, every component complements each other beautifully.
- 8 oz rice stick noodles (bihon): These thin rice noodles absorb sauce wonderfully and give pancit its signature smooth texture.
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced): Marinated to tender perfection, this is your protein powerhouse.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami boost that ties the dish together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Deepens flavor with its slightly sweet and salty richness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Infuses authentic Filipino savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of peppery warmth.
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water: This helps cook the noodles while adding subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing ingredients evenly and keeping everything luscious.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Aromatic and essential for that mouthwatering base flavor.
- 1 medium onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and texture when caramelized slightly.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Provides a fresh crunch that balances the noodles and beef.
- 1 cup julienned carrots: A pop of color and gentle sweetness to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup green beans (sliced): Offers a crisp bite and vibrant green contrast.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: For garnish that adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Lemon or calamansi wedges for serving: The citrus squeeze at the end makes every bite sing.
How to Make Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Marinate the Beef
Start by soaking your rice stick noodles in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This softens them up so they cook perfectly later. While your noodles are softening, mix the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a little black pepper. Letting the beef marinate for about 10 minutes helps it soak in flavors and stay tender during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated beef in batches, cooking until just brown and cooked through—it won’t take long, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook and toughen up.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Onion, and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in your garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base. Then add the julienned carrots, sliced green beans, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry these for 2 to 3 minutes just until they start to soften but retain their crispness, giving the dish that essential texture contrast.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer with Sauces
Return the beef to the pan and give everything a good toss to combine. Pour in the beef broth, the rest of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle in the remaining black pepper. This mixture creates the delicious sauce that will soak right into the noodles and vegetables, marrying all the elements beautifully.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Drain your softened noodles and gently add them to the skillet, stirring carefully so they don’t break apart. Cook everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and finish cooking. This final step is where the Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe truly comes to life, with every strand bursting with flavor and perfectly tender beef nestled throughout.
How to Serve Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pancit experience, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion note and a touch of vibrant green color. Serving with lemon or calamansi wedges adds that wonderful citrus zing which perfectly balances the savory richness of the dish. A quick squeeze just before eating brightens each forkful and makes the flavors pop delightfully.
Side Dishes
Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, light sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some fresh tomato and cucumber slices. For a heartier meal, a side of lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) or a bowl of sinigang (sour tamarind soup) complements the pancit’s savory noodles and adds diversity to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve this pancit family-style on a large platter topped with extra green onions and arranged lemon or calamansi wedges. You can also get playful and offer small bowls of chili flakes or crushed garlic oil on the side for guests to customize their flavors. Wrapping portions in fresh lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held bite has become popular too, making this trusty classic fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or those busy weeknights when cooking time is limited but you want something satisfying.
Freezing
While pancit is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to portion it out, as reheating frozen pancit can be tricky due to the texture of the noodles, which sometimes become softer after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
For the best results reheating your pancit, warm it up gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to re-moisten the noodles and stir carefully until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and mushy noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice stick noodles (bihon) are traditional, you can substitute with egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, though the texture and taste will be a bit different. Just be sure to adjust soaking and cooking times accordingly.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin or flank steak sliced thinly against the grain works best because these cuts remain tender and cook quickly. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate longer or cook them differently.
Is Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe spicy?
This particular version is not spicy, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a drizzle of spicy vinegar-based sauce if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the beef for tofu or extra vegetables and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian seasoning. While it won’t be a traditional pancit, it will still be delicious and hearty.
What occasions are best for serving Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe?
Pancit is a celebratory dish often served at birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings because it symbolizes long life and prosperity, but it’s equally wonderful as an everyday comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful hug on a plate that brings people together with its inviting aroma and satisfying taste. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or just discovering it, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious anytime you want a hearty, comforting bowl of noodles and beef magic.
Print
Filipino Pancit with Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Filipino Pancit with Beef is a savory, stir-fried noodle dish loaded with tender beef strips, crisp vegetables, and rice noodles, all tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce. It’s a beloved Filipino comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rice stick noodles (bihon)
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup green beans (sliced)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
For Serving
- Lemon or calamansi wedges
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10–15 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- Marinate Beef: In a bowl, combine sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a pinch of pepper; let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated beef until just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the carrots, green beans, and cabbage; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pan and mix well. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and remaining pepper.
- Add Noodles and Finish Cooking: Add the soaked noodles and gently toss to combine, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lemon or calamansi wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute the vegetables with what’s available—snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well.
- Adjust soy and fish sauce to taste.
- Pancit is traditionally served at celebrations but also makes a great everyday meal.
