PANCIT PALABOK July 23, 2020 Shilpa Anand Philippine FavouritePancit PalabokThis is a noodle dish( bihon)with shrimp sauce ( which is reddish orange due to Annato seeds)Several toppings include cooked shrimp, fried garlic, boiled eggs , fried fish tofu, cooked chicken mince ( cooked in special and unique Annato oil),Calamansi and scallions.Originally this recipe uses pork but my version is a pork free one.Annato is an orange red condiment and food colour derived from the seeds of Achiote Tree, native to Tropical Regions from Mexico to Brazil.Inspired by the Famous Jollibee Palabok.Pancit PalabokINGREDIENTS FOR ACHUETE OIL ( Annato oil)1-2 packet Annato seeds 1cup oil INSTRUCTIONSHeat up oil in a pan. Add the Annato seeds and keep stirring on low flame until the Annato seeds bleed into the oil Switch of gas Strain the oil. Keep aside for use later. Discard the seeds.Your Beautiful Orange Annato seed oil is ready The Annato seeds will stain( bright orange ) as well as flavor the oil.INGREDIENTS FOR PALABOK SAUCE 1-2 tbsp of Annato oil2-3 tbsp of garlic minced¼ th cup onion chopped fine 1knorr shrimp cube 1cup minced chicken1-2 tbsp Cornstarch Salt and pepper to taste½ tsp fish sauce Hot water INSTRUCTIONS Heat Annato oil in a panAdd chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minsAdd minced garlic and fry for 1-2 minsAdd minced chicken Fry ( keep stirring)Add salt and pepper to taste Add fish sauce Fry until chicken is fully cookedNow remove ½ quantity of chicken and keep aside to use later as a topping In the same wok ( with the ½ chicken) add hot water and shrimp cube Simmer on med-low flame Adjust seasoning Dissolve cornstarch with water and add to the boiling liquid Keep stirring until sauce thickens slightly Simmer for another 5-7 mins Switch off the gas and keep warm to serve laterYour delicious Palabok sauce is readyBIHON AND TOPPINGSINGREDIENTSBIHON noodles( thin translucent rice noodles)¼ cup toasted ( fried) garlic½ cup fish tofu ( fried tofu)2-3 hard-boiled eggs sliced 8-10 boiled shrimp2-3 Calamansi cut Cooked chicken mince Palabok sauce Chopped spring onions ( scallions) INSTRUCTIONS Soak the bihon noodles and cook as per instruction on the packet. Keep aside Chop garlic and fry in oil ( I used a bit of Annato oil to fry the garlic) Lightly fry the tofu in Annato oilPUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Take a large serving dish Spread the BIHON noodles evenly Laddle the Palabok sauce over the noodlesDistribute other garnishes evenly on top of the noodles and sauce ( as pictured) Your scrumptious Pancit Palabok is ready to serve This is definitely a crowd-pleaser Enjoy