Chinese Pancit Canton is a popular noodle dish enjoyed across various cultures. Known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and combination of textures, this dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious. It’s a staple in Filipino cuisine, heavily influenced by Chinese culinary traditions, and is often served during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. Pancit Canton is a stir-fried noodle dish that features fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a savory sauce. It’s a versatile dish, with many variations depending on the region or family tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step by step in making a flavorful Chinese Pancit Canton at home.
Ingredients
To cook Pancit Canton, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the noodles:
- 1 pack of Pancit Canton noodles (available in most Asian grocery stores)
For the meat and vegetables:
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 100 grams of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 pieces of Chinese sausage (longganisa), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cabbage, chopped into strips
- 1/2 cup of green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup of bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish:
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (optional)
- Spring onions, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Step-by-Steps to Cook Chinese Pancit Canton
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients. This helps the cooking process go smoothly and ensures that everything is ready when you need it.
Slice the chicken breast: Thinly slice the chicken breast into small pieces. If you prefer, you can also use pork or beef, but chicken is the most common protein for Pancit Canton.
Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp. Make sure to remove the shells and the vein along the back of the shrimp.
Slice the Chinese sausage: Thinly slice the Chinese sausage. If you’re using longganisa, it will add a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Cut the vegetables: Peel and julienne the carrot. Chop the cabbage into strips and cut the green beans into 2-inch pieces. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips.
Prepare the noodles: Pancit Canton noodles typically come in a package. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores. Open the pack and separate the noodles. No need to cook them beforehand; they will cook quickly once added to the stir-fry.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to cook the meat.
Heat the pan: In a large wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set them aside with the chicken.
Cook the Chinese sausage: Add the sliced Chinese sausage to the pan. The sausage will release a bit of oil and flavor, so sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly crispy.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Cook the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Add the carrots and green beans: Toss in the julienned carrots and cut green beans. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp.
Add the cabbage and bell peppers: Next, add the cabbage and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt but still retains some crunch. You want the vegetables to remain vibrant and not too soft.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the noodles: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add a little more oil if necessary. Place the Pancit Canton noodles into the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. You may need to break up any clumps, so the noodles cook evenly.
Add the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), fish sauce (if using), chicken broth (or water), and sesame oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything.
Combine the meat and noodles: Return the cooked chicken, shrimp, and Chinese sausage to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Season with salt and pepper: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can also add a little more soy sauce or fish sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with egg: If you like, you can garnish the Pancit Canton with hard-boiled egg slices. This adds a nice touch of richness to the dish.
Add spring onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped spring onions on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve with lime: A wedge of lime on the side can give the dish a zesty finish. Squeeze the lime over the noodles just before eating to add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your Chinese Pancit Canton is now ready to be served. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pickled vegetables or a light soup. Gather your friends and family around the table and enjoy this savory, flavorful meal together.
Tips and Variations
1. Protein Variations
Pork: If you prefer pork, you can use thinly sliced pork belly or pork tenderloin. Pork adds a juicy and tender texture to the dish.
Beef: For a more robust flavor, you can substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef.
Tofu: For a vegetarian version, tofu is a great alternative. Firm tofu works best in stir-fries and can absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
2. Vegetable Variations
Mushrooms: Add mushrooms like shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Snow peas: Snow peas can be a great addition for added crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Baby corn: If you enjoy baby corn, feel free to toss some into the stir-fry for extra texture.
3. Adjusting the Spice Level
If you like your Pancit Canton to have a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
4. Make It Your Own
Pancit Canton is a versatile dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients. You can even add different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, to create your own variation.
Conclusion
Chinese Pancit Canton is a delightful dish that brings together savory flavors, tender meat, and fresh vegetables. By following these easy steps, you can create this flavorful stir-fry right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply for a tasty weeknight dinner, Pancit Canton is sure to impress. Its combination of textures and vibrant flavors makes it a dish everyone will enjoy. So, get your ingredients ready, gather your loved ones, and indulge in this delicious noodle dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!
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