Vegetarian Pancit Palabok with Mushroom Gravy and Annatto

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based twist on classic palabok featuring rich mushroom gravy, vibrant annatto sauce, and crispy vegetarian toppings. This 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

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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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