Pancit Bihon Guisado(Sauteed Rice Sticks)
A flavorful Filipino stir-fried rice noodle dish with chicken, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for a hearty, quick, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 small chicken ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup patis (fish sauce) ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, shelled and quartered ⓘ
- 1 lb bihon (rice vermicelli or rice sticks), soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cover the chicken with it.
- Add chopped green onions and salt to the boiling water.
- Simmer the chicken for 15 minutes.
- Drain the chicken, reserving the broth, and remove the meat from the bones, then cut into small pieces.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onion; sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shredded carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook until wilted.
- Add the soaked and drained rice sticks to the pan.
- Pour in the reserved chicken broth, lemon juice, and fish sauce.
- Toss everything together and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Add cooked chicken pieces and chopped green onions; toss to combine.
- Serve garnished with quartered hard-boiled eggs.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of fish sauce and lemon juice before boiling. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more texture. Make sure to soak the rice sticks properly to achieve the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pancit Bihon Guisado is best served immediately, but you can pair it with a side of lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with a refreshing side salad or steamed vegetables. For a unique twist, serve it alongside Chicken-Pork Adobo for a delightful combination that celebrates Filipino cuisine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pan to help steam the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the noodles gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pancit Bihon Guisado(Sauteed Rice Sticks) contains roughly 725 calories, with 15g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2542mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, while bihon is traditional for Pancit Bihon Guisado, you can substitute it with other thin rice noodles or even egg noodles. Adjust cooking times based on the noodle type you choose, ensuring they are cooked al dente before adding to the stir-fry.
What can I do if I don't have patis (fish sauce)?
If you don't have patis, you can use soy sauce as a substitute, keeping in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly. You can also add a bit of lime juice or vinegar for acidity to mimic the taste of fish sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add heat to your Pancit Bihon Guisado, include sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during the cooking process. You can also serve it with a side of chili sauce for those who prefer to add spice to their own servings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).