Learn how to make authentic Filipino Pancit Palabok with rich shrimp sauce, rice noodles, and savory toppings. Easy, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings.
🍜 Pancit Palabok (Filipino Noodle Dish)
🌿 A Warm Filipino Kitchen Story
Growing up in a Filipino household, Pancit Palabok was always a special dish that brought everyone together. Whether it was birthdays, fiestas, or simple Sunday lunches, this rich and flavorful noodle dish never failed to make the table feel complete.
The bright orange sauce, infused with shrimp flavor, combined with soft rice noodles and topped with eggs, chicharrón, and green onions — it’s comfort food at its finest.
This recipe is my way of sharing that same warmth with your kitchen.
⏱️ Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Cuisine: Filipino
🛒 Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 1 pack rice noodles (bihon), soaked
- Water for boiling
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups shrimp broth
- 2 tbsp annatto powder (or annatto oil)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Cooked shrimp
- Crushed chicharrón (pork rinds)
- Tinapa flakes (smoked fish)
- Hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Garlic oil
- Calamansi (for serving)
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Annatto (Atsuete): Gives the signature orange color
- Tinapa: Adds authentic smoky flavor
- Fish Sauce: Boosts umami taste
- Calamansi: Brightens the dish with citrus flavor
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil the soaked rice noodles until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in shrimp broth and add annatto. Stir well.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water, then add to the sauce. Simmer until thick.
Step 5: Season
Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble
Place noodles on a plate, pour sauce over, and add toppings.
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Serve with fresh calamansi on the side
- Add extra garlic oil for deeper flavor
- Best enjoyed warm
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Do not overcook noodles
✔ Use real shrimp broth for best flavor
✔ Add sauce right before serving
🔄 Variations
- Chicken Palabok (use chicken broth)
- Vegetarian version (use mushroom broth)
- Spicy palabok (add chili flakes)
🥡 Storage Instructions
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat with a little water or broth
- Keep toppings separate for freshness
🔁 Substitutions
- No tinapa? → Use smoked salmon
- No calamansi? → Use lemon
- No shrimp? → Use chicken
🥗 Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 350–450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 12g
❓ FAQ
1. Why is my palabok sauce not thick?
Add more cornstarch slurry and simmer longer.
2. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but keep sauce and noodles separate.
3. What noodles should I use?
Rice noodles (bihon) are best.
🖨️ Printable Recipe Card
Pancit Palabok
Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 50 mins
Ingredients:
Rice noodles, shrimp broth, annatto, garlic, onion, fish sauce, toppings
Instructions:
Cook noodles → Make sauce → Thicken → Assemble → Serve
