pancit palabok

Pancit palabok (”pahn-sit pah-la-book”) is a Filipino noodle dish  with a creamy sauce layered with textures and flavors.  This is a family favorite over the traditional pancit (pancit sotanghon).  While this recipe has quite a few steps, it’s totally worth it.

The Basics

• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 1 can cream of shrimp
• 1 package of Mama Sita’s pancit palabok sauce base
• 1 tsp patis (Filipino fish sauce) or flakes of tuyo (dried salted fish; you can possibly use anchovies)
• 1 lb of shrimp (with shells and heads, if you can find it.  If you can’t, get a can of shrimp
• Pieces of cooked pork
• 1 package of bihon noodles

Toppings

• Green onions; sliced
• Garlic; sliced
• 2 eggs; boiled and diced
• Pork rinds; about a handful
• Roasted garlic slices – Crisp slices garlic cooked with oil in a frying pan
• Lemon; cut into slices or wedges

The Rundown – The Noodles

1. Soak the noodles in cold water for about 30 minutes. Use a deep bowl so the noodles get completely covered.
2. Place noodles and water in a deep pot and put on medium/high head until boiling.
3. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain

The Rundown – The Sauce

1. Make your own shrimp broth: Remove the heads and the shells from the shrimp.  Add shells and heads and a cup of water in a sauce pot.  Add a few pinches of salt and pepper. Boil for about 10 minutes until all shells and heads are pink. Put liquid and shells in a blender and puree. Drain using a fine strainer or a paper towel.
2. Add palabok sauce mix to broth and combine in a medium pot.  Mix thoroughly and remove all clumps.
3. Add cans of cream of mushroom and shrimp. Stir to incorporate and turn heat to medium.  It should be a slow boil.
4. Sauce should be slightly thicker than gravy.  If it’s too salty or thick, add 1/4 cup of water at a time.
5. Add shrimp and pork.
6. Cook for about 10 minutes or until shrimp is completely cooked.

The Rundown – The Assembly

I think it’s better to have the noodles, sauce and toppings separated — so people can make their own servings.  Some people may prefer more sauce or garlic, so it’s a better way for people to customize their own plate.  However, the benefit of pre-assembling is that it is easier to transport.

Tags: filipino recipe, high difficulty, noodle dish