Pansit Malabon is a rich, savory noodle dish from the Philippines, known for its thick, chewy rice noodles and a delicious sauce. The unique flavor comes from a mix of ingredients that add complexity to each bite. Typically, it includes shrimp, squid, boiled egg, and fish, with a sauce made from shrimp paste, ground paper and fish sauce.
The key to Pansit Malabon’s amazing taste is its sauce. It’s thickened with ground rice or rice flour, making it creamy and perfect for sticking to the noodles. The sauce is cooked with garlic and onion creating a tasty base.
Classic Recipes and Stories
Traditional Pansit Malabon
The classic recipe for Pansit Malabon hails from the town of Malabon, just north of Manila. This dish was a local favorite. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touch.
Traditionally, Pansit Malabon is made with lots of shrimp and squid, highlighting the area’s rich seafood resources. It’s often topped with crispy chicharrón (fried pork skin), hard-boiled eggs, and fresh green onions, adding texture and freshness to the rich sauce.
A Modern Twist: Pansit Malabon with Crab Meat
Recently, chefs and home cooks have been adding modern touches to Pansit Malabon while respecting its traditional roots. One popular twist is adding crab meat. This makes the dish even richer and more elegant, perfect for special occasions and festive meals.
How to Enjoy Pansit Malabon
In the Philippines:
If you’re in the Philippines, you can try Pansit Malabon at many local restaurants or eateries that specialize in Filipino food. It’s often served as part of a larger spread during celebrations and gatherings. Don’t forget to enjoy it with garlic vinegar dipping sauce and crispy chicharrón for the full experience.
Making It at Home:
To make Pansit Malabon at home, here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 400g thick rice noodles
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g squid, cleaned and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp shrimp paste
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for garnish)
- Crispy chicharrón (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion.
- Add the shrimp paste and fish sauce, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Mix in the rice flour to thicken the sauce.
- Add the shrimp and squid, cooking until the seafood is done.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce, making sure they are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with hard-boiled eggs, crispy chicharrón, and chopped green onions on top.
So gather your ingredients, embrace the flavors of the Philippines, and enjoy every bite of this wonderful classic!
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