Pancit Canton is a beloved Filipino stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, meat, and a savory soy-based sauce.
It’s a popular meal for everyday dining and festive occasions, symbolizing long life and good fortune. With its satisfying mix of textures and flavors, Pancit Canton is both delicious and convenient to prepare.
Equipment Needed
Large wok or deep skillet
Knife and chopping board
Tongs or cooking spatula
Pot (for blanching noodles)
Ingredients
250g dried pancit canton noodles (egg noodles)
200g chicken breast or pork, thinly sliced
100g shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, julienned
1/2 cup green beans, sliced diagonally
1/2 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
Ground black pepper, to taste
Calamansi or lemon wedges (for serving)
Cooking oil
Directions
Preparation time: 20 minutes, Cooking: 20minutes, Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Prep the ingredients: Blanch pancit canton noodles in hot water for 1 minute to soften slightly. Drain and set aside. Prepare all vegetables and slice the meat and shrimp.
Cook the proteins: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add sliced meat and cook until browned. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry carrots, green beans, and cabbage for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Combine and cook noodles: Pour in the broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce (if using). Let it simmer. Add the noodles and toss to coat evenly. Cook until the noodles absorb the liquid and are fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
Finish the dish: Return the cooked meat, shrimp, and vegetables to the wok. Toss everything together until well mixed. Season with black pepper to taste.
How to Serve
Serve Pancit Canton hot, garnished with calamansi or lemon wedges on the side. It pairs perfectly with pandesal, lumpia, or as a main dish with rice on the side.
Substitute chicken or pork with tofu for a vegetarian version. You can use pre-mixed frozen vegetables for convenience. Add quail eggs, mushrooms, or squid balls for more variety.
Final Word
Pancit Canton is a classic Filipino favorite that’s quick to prepare and sure to please. Whether for a family meal or a special gathering, it brings comfort and joy in every bite. Give it a try—this flavorful, one-pan noodle dish might just become your new go-to recipe.
