Easy Pancit Palabok Recipe (2024)

By Shobee&nbsp|Created On: 2024-02-27&nbsp|Updated: 2024-02-27

Pancit Palabok is a traditional noodle dish that originates from the Philippines. It uses rice noodles and a bright orange sauce from shrimp broth, garlic, and annatto. Typically, the dish is served with toppings such as hard-boiled eggs, crispy pork skin (chicharrón), scallions, and sometimes seafood like shrimp or squid. It has a rich and savory taste and is a popular and festive dish in Filipino cuisine.

You may also like my other noodle recipes: Bihun Goreng, Udon noodles, Yakisoba noodles, Lemongrass pork Noodle Salad, and GreenVermicelli NoodleSalad, Shrimp Lo Mein. And Bihun.

Pancit Palabok

Palabok is more than just a dish for me; it is similar to being transported to the Philippines, being with my large family, having fun, and hanging out. Whether savoring its rich flavors for the first time or rediscovering its magic, Pancit Palabok is a Filipino meal that promises to leave a lasting impression. Try this recipe, follow the storage tips, and enjoy this—Filipino delicacy.

How Do you Make it?

Each household has its take on how to make Pancit Palabok. Today, we are making the palabok sauce by adding instant palabok mix and adding some seasoning to make it our own. Nonetheless, this easy palabok recipe yields very delicious saucy noodles you will enjoy. the Palabok is at par with Jollibee’s Palabok.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Ground pork
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Tinapa (smoked fish), flaked
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, chopped
• Annatto powder (achuete)
• Shrimp broth
• Fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Boiled eggs, sliced
• Chopped green onions and fried garlic for garnish
• Calamansi or lemon wedges

Procedure

The instruction below is an overview of how to make Palabok. The detailed recipe is on the recipe card.

• In a pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add ground pork and cook until browned ground meat. Pour in shrimp broth and bring to a simmer.

• Add the palabok mixture and stir until thick.
• Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Add the chicharon. Turn off the heat and serve on top of the noodles.

• Cook the rice noodles per package instructions. Arrange the cooked rice noodles on a serving plate. Pour the shrimp sauce over the noodles. Garnish with sliced boiled eggs, chopped green onions, and fried garlic. 10. Serve with calamansi or lemon wedges.

Tips for Storing Palabok

• Refrigeration:Ensure the Palabok dish has cooled completely before being placed in the refrigerator.
• Freezing:While rice noodles may not freeze well, you can freeze the shrimp sauce separately. Thaw and reheat it when ready to enjoy Palabok again.
• Avoid Overcooking Noodles:Be cautious not to overcook the rice noodles when reheating. They can become mushy if heated for too long.
• Fresh Garnishes:For the best flavor, add fresh garnishes like boiled eggs, green onions, and fried garlic before serving rather than during the initial cooking process.

Facts and Common Questions

Does Palabok Contain Pork?

Yes, traditional Palabok often contains pork. The dish typically includes ground pork in the savory shrimp sauce, contributing to its rich and flavorful taste. If you prefer a pork-free version, you can explore using alternative protein sources like chicken or tofu.

Substitute for Tinapa

Tinapa, or smoked fish, adds a unique smoky flavor to Palabok. Use other smoked fish varieties like smoked mackerel or herring if you want a substitute. Alternatively, you can experiment with liquid smoke or smoked paprika to achieve a smoky flavor without tapa.

What is Jollibee Palabok Made Of

Jollibee’s Palabok Fiesta is made with rice noodles topped with a rich shrimp sauce, garlic sauce, chicharrón (crispy pork skin), and hard-boiled egg slices. Jollibee, a popular Filipino fast-food chain, has a unique Palabok recipe that captures this classic dish’s essence.

What is Palabok Mix Made Of

Palabok mix is a powdered mixture of ingredients such as annatto powder (achuete) for color, flour, and seasonings. Its purpose is to simplify the cooking process by allowing you to create the classic orange-colored shrimp sauce for Palabok without searching separately for each ingredient. To use a Palabok mix, follow the instructions on the package for your particular brand.

Remember that the exact ingredients in Jollibee’s Palabok and Palabok mix may vary slightly based on the brand or restaurant.\ It’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list or inquire about the preparation methods used.

Pancit Palabok Topping Substitutions

For the Tinapa, I used smoked Salmon (not as intense as the Tinapa, but the taste is similar).

1. For the Carcar de Cebu Chicharon, I used Mexican Chicharones (not as crisp as in the Chicharon in the Philippines, but the taste is similar).
2. For the Palabok Sauce seasoning, I used salt instead of the fish sauce.
3. I used rice stick noodles instead of the thicker strand Palabok noodles.

How Long Does it Take to Make Palabok

Some people assume that making Pancit Palabok is a complicated process. However, it is not as difficult as they think. For instance, I can make Pancit Palabok quickly after coming home from work. I peel the shrimp, cook the noodles, and fry the onions and garlic. Even though I usually prepare the boiled eggs the night before, the entire process only takes me 35 minutes. Moreover, I have to boil the shrimp for the stock before moving on to the next step.