Vegetarian Pancit Palabok

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vegetarian Pancit Palabok, a plant-based twist on the beloved Filipino noodle dish. This recipe features delicate rice noodles bathed in a rich, golden sauce infused with the earthy tones of annatto powder and smoked paprika. Crispy fried tofu adds a hearty texture, while a vibrant medley of toppings—including bean sprouts, spring onions, and crunchy fried garlic—brings a delightful contrast to every bite. Lightly thickened with a cornstarch slurry, the savory sauce clings to every strand of noodle, delivering an irresistible burst of umami with each mouthful. Served with fresh slices of lemon or calamansi for a tangy finish, this vegetarian delight is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Ready in just under an hour, this Pancit Palabok is as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 g rice noodles
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 200 g firm tofu, diced into small cubes
• 1 tbsp annatto powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp fried garlic
• 1 cup spring onions, chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 lemon or calamansi, sliced into wedges
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by soaking the rice noodles in a bowl of warm water for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a pan over medium heat, add the diced tofu and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the annatto powder and smoked paprika, stirring until the spices are well mixed with the garlic and onions.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, bringing it to a simmer.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering broth while stirring continuously to thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 7

Add salt and black pepper to the sauce to taste.

Step 8

Mix in the drained rice noodles, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Add the cooked tofu back into the pan and mix gently to combine.

Step 10

Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak in the flavors.

Step 11

Serve the noodle dish on a large platter or individual plates.

Step 12

Top with bean sprouts, chopped spring onions, and a generous sprinkle of fried garlic.

Step 13

Garnish with sliced lemon or calamansi wedges on the side.

Step 14

Enjoy your Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with a squeeze of lemon or calamansi for a fresh zing!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1846.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1223.4

Total Fat 32.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5260.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 183.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 27.8g
Protein 64.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1021.4mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 3095.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.5%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 57.2%