Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based twist on classic palabok featuring rich mushroom gravy, vibrant annatto sauce, and crispy vegetarian toppings. This filipino-inspired filipino (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs bihon noodles, annatto seeds, vegetable stock for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1/2 cup bihon noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until softened, then drain completely.
  2. Step 2: In a small pot, combine 2 tbsp annatto seeds with 1/4 cup vegetable stock and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain to remove seeds, reserving the orange broth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms and 1/4 cup ground tofu, cooking for 4 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the reserved annatto broth and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens to a coat-the-spoon consistency.
  6. Step 6: Add drained bihon noodles to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions, then transfer to a serving plate. Top with 1/4 cup crushed vegetarian chicharon and 2 slices of hard-boiled egg.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bihon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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