The Epic Pink Pancit (Filipino Stir Fry Noodles -Pink Version)
Smile, you’re on TV. UPDATE (July.4.2021):
Exciting news everyone! The pink pancit was featured on IRL (In Real Life) episode hosted by Gabbi Garcia aired on July 1, 2021 via GMA TV, Philippine’s prime network. It happened so quick that I was not even aware when it was being shown locally in PH. Thanks to my cousin, Ate Ann, for alerting me and the whole family when she saw me on TV. Good catch Ate!!
Growing up in the Philippines, I’ve secretly fantasized of being on TV. But, because I was too shy and not an “artista” material, I buried that dream of mine so deep in the ground that I forgot about it. Plus, it was not easy growing up with “kayumanggi” (brown skinned) complexion especially in the Philippines. The trend was and is…the more fair skinned you are, the more desirable you are, and therefore your chances becoming a celebrity just tripled. Yeah, I know, it may sound terrifying for some but this is the culture in the Philippines that I grew up with. I don’t think it will change anytime soon.
Anyhow, we’re not going to be all dramatic about my not so cool childhood experiences. Now, that I’ am filled with wisdom and have travelled all over the world, my perspective in life have changed tremendously. I can say I’m happy for who I’am and I’ve learned to accept all of my shortcomings. Just like the pink pancit, I shall focus on staying healthy and vibrant for a long and colorful life. I hope you do the same thing.
Again, from the bottom of my kapuso heart, many thanks to GMA TV for feature. Ciao!
WATCH The Epic Pink Pancit on GMA TV: Fast Forward to (10:16)
The Epic Pink Pancit
Would you believe me if I tell you that this is made of absolutely 100% all natural food coloring? Yes, it’s true! So, what’s the magic ingredient? Here’s a hint: it can also be added on a traditional pancit but not as often as its popular sister, green cabbage. Well, move over green cabbage because for this recipe, the star magic ingredient is no other than the amazing red cabbage.
What makes it pink?
If you like science, this is perfect for you because science has a lot to do with the pretty pink pancit. As a matter of fact, red cabbage experiment is popular in kids to learn about pH indicator. But, don’t worry I’m not going to go in details with that. I’m just going to grace the reasoning behind the pink color. Red cabbage is full of anthocyanin, a bioactive pigment molecule that gives natural color spectrum of purple to pinkish in acidic environment and blue, green to even yellow in alkaline environment. For this recipe, I used lemon as my acid to get the pinkish color. The lemon taste in the noodles is just perfect for this dish.
Long Live The Pancit!
Did you know that there are over 30 varieties of how to make pancit? The one I’m familiar growing up in the Philippines is the pancit bihon, made with thin rice noodles and the ultimate birthday food staple. I was once told by my mother that it is served during birthdays because eating long food like pancit will bring long life to the celebrants. And yes, I’m like you, I roll my eyes every time I hear this. But, as funny as it sounds, I actually believed her and up to this very moment I unusually crave and look for pancit for special occasions especially birthdays!
Why use glass noodles?
Glass noodles a.k.a. cellophane noodles are a type of noodle that when cooked looks like clear glass. That’s fantastic! We can all relax, there’s no actual glass included! It is actually made of peas, mung beans, and water. I recommend using glass noodles on your first try as it holds the pretty pink color really well. It is also firmer and less prone from turning soggy than rice noodles when cooked and soaked in red cabbage juice.
The Epic Pink Pancit (Filipino Stir Fry Noodles -Pink Version)
Ingredients
Red Cabbage Food Color
- 450 grams red cabbage
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 fresh lemon juice
Pancit
- 100 grams glass noodles
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1/2 cup yellow pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Vegetable Broth Mixture
- .5 grams all natural vegetable bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tsp tamari soy sauce
Crunchy Garlic
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Garnish
- green onions
- soft boiled eggs
Instructions
- Chop red cabbage into smaller pieces and separate them.
- Bring water to boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer the red cabbage for 15 minutes uncovered. Stirring occasionally.
- Drain and let it cool.
- Mince garlic, chop onions and vegetables as you like.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve vegetable bouillon in hot water.
- Add tamari soy sauce to the vegetable broth. Set aside.
- Now, the fun part. Once the red cabbage juice is cool to touch, add in lemon juice and stir. Watch as the color change from dark purple to pink. Set aside.
- Add boiling water to glass noodles and cook for 1 minute.
- Drain noodles very well.
- Soak cooked noodles in pink cabbage juice for 5 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a medium pan, cook half of the garlic with olive oil until light golden brown on medium heat.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add more olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic.
- Add carrots and green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add yellow pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add 4-5 tsp. of broth mixture. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add pink noodles.
- Add the rest of the broth mixture. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish
- Chopped fresh green onions
- Soft boiled eggs
- Crunchy garlic
Notes
- I recommend using glass noodles on your first try as it holds the pretty pink color really well. It is also firmer and less prone from turning soggy than rice noodles when cooked and soaked in red cabbage.
- To avoid over cooking glass noodles, soak it in cooled red cabbage juice.
- Use all-natural bouillon or vegetable stock.
- Try using Tamari instead of regular soy sauce. It's gluten free and milder in taste.
- Feel free to use other vegetables such as green cabbage and snap peas.
- Let your taste buds decide. You can add some salt if you desire. But, I honestly don't think you need it. It's flavorful enough, in my opinion.
- Do not over cook vegetables. It's better to have al-dente than soggy veggies on your epic pink pancit.
- Serve it warm with crunchy garlic, fresh green onions, and perfectly soft boiled eggs with creamy yolks.
- Crunchy garlic is highly recommended.
WATCH The Epic Pink Pancit Step-By-Step Video Tutorial:
My name is Dhin. I'm delighted that you are here to join me in cooking delicious food and baking adorable pastries. Working in the kitchen became my therapy when the pandemic struck all of us. Join me on my journey, one bite at a time.
As Featured on
Gma TV Network, Philippines
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