Pancit Bihon (Sautéed Rice Noodles)

Pancit bihon (pronounced pan-sit bee-hon) refers to different styles of Filipino sautéed rice noodle dishes, popular at large gatherings. This version features cabbage and tofu, along with different root vegetables, for a winter alternative to soups and stews.

Ingredients:

14 oz. firm tofu

8 oz. bihon noodles OR other rice noodles

Water

1 small onion, peeled and finely diced

6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

½ lb. cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

½ lb. carrots, thinly sliced OR roughly grated (about 1 cup)

½ lb. daikon radish OR hakurei turnips, thinly sliced OR roughly grated (about 2 cups)

½ lb. bok choy, chopped (about 2 cups)

2-3 green onions, trimmed and sliced

5 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce OR tamari

1 tbsp. brown sugar OR honey

Optional garnishes: Lime or lemon juice, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Equipment:

Kitchen knife
Cutting board
Large bowl
Peeler
Box grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Jar with a lid OR small bowl
Cooktop
Large saucepan OR wok with a lid

Ingredients:

14 oz. firm tofu

8 oz. bihon noodles OR other rice noodles

Water

1 small onion, peeled and finely diced

6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

½ lb. cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

½ lb. carrots, thinly sliced OR roughly grated (about 1 cup)

½ lb. daikon radish OR hakurei turnips, thinly sliced OR roughly grated (about 2 cups)

½ lb. bok choy, chopped (about 2 cups)

2-3 green onions, trimmed and sliced

5 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce OR tamari

1 tbsp. brown sugar OR honey

Optional garnishes: Lime or lemon juice, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Equipment:

Kitchen knife
Cutting board
Large bowl
Peeler
Box grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Jar with a lid OR small bowl
Cooktop
Large saucepan OR wok with a lid

Directions:

  1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and spread out on a clean towel.
  2. Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with lukewarm water. When the noodles are soft, after about 10 minutes, drain and set noodles aside.
  3. Wash the fresh ingredients and then peel, grate, mince, core, trim, and slice them as noted in the ingredients list. Separate the chopped bok choy leaves from the chopped stems.
  4. Make the pancit sauce by combining ¾ cup water, 3 tbsp. soy sauce, and 1 tbsp. honey in a small jar with a lid or a small bowl.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Carefully add the tofu and 2 tbsp. soy sauce. Fry until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Set the tofu aside and return the pan to the heat.
  6. Add 1 tbsp. oil and carefully add the onion, listening for the sizzling sound. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the carrots, radish, and bok choy stems and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent.
  8. Add the cabbage, bok choy leaves, and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
  9. Next add the pancit sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 2 minutes.
  10. Lastly, add the noodles and stir into the vegetables. Toss in the tofu and the green onions.