Vegan Pancit
Ingredients
- 4 ¾ cups water divided
- 8 oz bag of bihon or 1 bag rice stick noodles
- 5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce divided
- 1 tsp vegan bouillon paste or 1 cube vegan bouillon
- ½ tsp organic granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp neutral oil divided
- 14 oz package of extra firm tofu pressed and diced
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 small onion chopped
- ¾ cup green beans sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup green cabbage cored and very thinly sliced
- ¾ cup carrots julienned
- ¾ cup celery sliced on a bias
- salt add to taste
- black pepper add to taste
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Place noodles in a large mixing bowl, pour over boiling water, and stir continuously for 2 minutes. Rinse and drain the noodles in cool water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of water, 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, vegetable bouillon, and sugar. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu and pour over 2 tbsp soy sauce. Pan-fry until golden brown. Set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Cook onion for 1 minute, add green beans, and cook for an additional 7 minutes or until onions begin to brown. Add garlic, cabbage, carrots, and celery, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the pancit sauce to the wok and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until green beans are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir noodles into the sauce until coated. Then, stir in tofu and remove from heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions and serve with calamansi or lemon wedges.
Details Behind My Vegan Pancit Recipe
Vegan Pancit Recipe – Pancit is a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish that highlights the diverse flavors of the Philippines. Among its types, pancit bihon is a popular favorite, featuring thin rice noodles stir-fried with chicken or pork and various vegetables. Traditionally, calamansi is used to enhance the dish’s taste. Noodles, introduced by Chinese immigrants, have become an integral part of Filipino cuisine, adapting to regional ingredients. Some unique pancit versions skip noodles altogether, using coconut strips, young papaya, mung bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or seaweed. One example of this is pancit buko.
When it comes to the vegan version of pancit dishes, there are many ways to go about it. With a dish like pancit bihon, you can substitute the meat with extra tough tofu. Generally, there are a variety of vegan alternatives to classic Filipino dishes and several types noodle dishes to try.
Other Vegan Filipino Noodle Dishes
If you want to try another vegan noodle dish, you should try the vegan version of Filipino sphagetti. What makes Filipino spaghetti different? Filipino spaghetti stands out with its distinctive sweet undertone, setting it apart from other spaghetti variations. Topped with cheese and sliced hotdog, this unique dish owes its sweetness to banana ketchup, a popular condiment and a key ingredient in many Filipino red sauces. The result is a flavorful red sauce that complements the cheese and hotdog toppings. For those preferring meat alternatives, there are non-meat options available, including a vegan version featuring plant-based meat for a healthier twist on this Filipino classic.
Other Dry Filipino Noodle Dishes
Do you want to try other Filipino dishes? One similar dish to pancit bihon is pancit malabon. Pancit Malabon is a unique Filipino noodle dish known for its vibrant orange sauce. The dish typically includes noodles with toppings like hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and pork rinds, with optional variations. The distinctive color of the sauce comes from a mix of achuete (annatto seeds), shrimp broth, patis (fish sauce) for a rich umami taste, and taba ng talangka (crab fat). As part of the broader category of “pancit,” Pancit Malabon is celebrated for its simple yet flavorful appeal in Filipino cuisine.
Other Unique Filipino Noodle Dishes
Another noodle dish option you can try and is unique to other noodle dishes is pancit molo. Pancit Molo, or Molo Soup, hails from Molo in Iloilo, Philippines, and was initially influenced by Chinese Wonton Soup. Evolving into a heartier version with shredded chicken and local flavors, it has become a flavorful noodle soup. What sets Pancit Molo apart is the addition of toasted garlic for a unique twist. Interestingly, the noodles are actually Molo wrappers filled with a savory mixture, some torn into pieces to add body to the broth and extend the dish. This Filipino culinary delight showcases a delicious blend of influences and local creativity.
Overall, there are many noodle dishes to explore. Each noodle stands out in different ways and there are several variations to try. If you want another noodle dish with soup, check out Lomi or Chicken Sopas.
