Filipino Pancit Noodles (Keto, Sugar-Free)

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Filipino Pancit refers to a variety of noodle dishes that are staples in Filipino cuisine. Pancit dishes are characterized by their use of noodles, which can be made from rice flour, wheat flour, or mung bean starch, and are often stir-fried with a combination of vegetables, meat, seafood, and sometimes tofu or eggs. Pancit dishes vary in flavor and style across different regions of the Philippines, each with its own unique twist and ingredients.

Key Features of Filipino Pancit:

Noodle Varieties: Pancit dishes can feature different types of noodles, including:

  • Pancit Canton: Egg noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables, meat (commonly pork, chicken, or shrimp), and sometimes Chinese sausage (chorizo).
  • Pancit Bihon: Thin rice noodles that are stir-fried with a similar array of ingredients as Pancit Canton.
  • Pancit Malabon: Thick rice noodles (similar to rice vermicelli) topped with a rich seafood sauce, shrimp, squid, and hard-boiled eggs.
  • Pancit Palabok: Thin rice noodles topped with a shrimp-flavored sauce, garnished with shrimp, crushed chicharron (pork cracklings), hard-boiled eggs, and spring onions.

Ingredients: While the specific ingredients can vary, common elements in Pancit dishes include:

  • Protein: Chicken, pork, shrimp, or a combination thereof.
  • Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and sometimes snow peas or baby corn.
  • Seasonings: Garlic, onions, soy sauce, fish sauce (patis), and sometimes oyster sauce or sesame oil for additional flavor.
  • Garnishes: Calamansi (Filipino lime) or lemon wedges, sliced green onions, and occasionally fresh cilantro or parsley.
  1. Cooking Method: Pancit is typically stir-fried over high heat, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and that the vegetables and proteins are cooked through but still crisp. The dish is often finished with a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  2. Serving: Pancit is commonly served as a main dish during celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions such as birthdays and fiestas. It is often paired with other Filipino dishes and is enjoyed with rice and condiments such as soy sauce with calamansi or vinegar with chili peppers.
  3. Cultural Significance: Pancit is not only a flavorful and satisfying dish but also holds cultural significance in Filipino cuisine. It symbolizes longevity and is often served at birthdays to wish the celebrant a long life.

Overall, Filipino Pancit dishes showcase the diversity and creativity of Filipino cooking, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that are loved by Filipinos and appreciated by food enthusiasts around the world.

Let’s make a keto-friendly version of Filipino Pancit noodle dish:

Filipino Pancit Noodles Recipe (Keto, Sugar-Free)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 oz) of shirataki noodles (preferably angel hair or fettuccine style)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (preferably coconut or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup green beans, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (use a mix of colors if available)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 lime or lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare Shirataki Noodles:

    • Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water for about a minute. Drain and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:

      • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
      • Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
      • In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.

      Stir-Fry Vegetables:

        • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.
        • Add green beans, cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

        Combine and Season:

          • Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet.
          • Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
          • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Add Shirataki Noodles:

            • Add the prepared shirataki noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are heated through and coated with the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.

            Serve:

              • Transfer the Keto Pancit Noodles to a serving platter or individual plates.
              • Garnish with chopped green onions.
              • Serve hot with lime or lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the noodles.

              Enjoy your Keto Filipino Pancit Noodles!

                Notes:

                • Shirataki Noodles: These are low-carb and keto-friendly noodles made from konjac yam. They are very low in calories and carbohydrates.
                • Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the types of vegetables used based on availability and personal preference.
                • Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so use tamari sauce if you need a gluten-free option.

                This recipe captures the essence of Filipino Pancit Noodles while being keto-friendly and free from added sugars. It’s a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger Filipino meal spread.