A childhood favorite of mine and still is my go-to for quick dinners, pancit canton with shrimp is an all-time winner for a fast complete meal. This easy pancit canton recipe is full of those springy Filipino-style egg noodles, with the mirepoix of celery, carrot, and onions, then simply topped with green cabbage and sauteed shrimp. It’s savory, satisfying, and “pasta” elevated.
Updated on February 27, 2025
Table of contents
What is Pancit canton?
Pancit, or also spelled Pansit, refers to Filipino noodle stir fry. There are many variations and types of pancit and you can’t go wrong in trying pancit with different types of noodles, vegetables, and everything from beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, squid, and so much more.
I love to cook pancit bihon, pancit guisado, and pancit malabon to name a few. There is not a wrong way to make an easy pancit canton with shrimp recipe…just make sure it has noodles.
If you love my super easy pancit canton recipe, well you must try the classic pancit bihon recipe too.
This Filipino noodles dish normally encompasses some choice of protein, a mirepoix of celery, carrots, and onions, and a broth for the noodles to soak up such as chicken broth mixed with soy and oyster sauce.
As mentioned, there are tons of different types of pancit, and in this pancit canton recipe, I’ll show you a common more recognized pancit preparation that is not only very easy, but fast, so everyone can get to eating right away.
Pancit Canton refers to the noodle type in this dish. Canton are wheat based egg noodles and make a filling base for a light dose of vegetables and a side of sauteed shrimp. It’s a lovely complete meal that delights both familiar and new taste testers.
If you can master this pancit canton recipe, congratulations, because you’ve made one of Filipino’s favorite noodle dishes that can be found everywhere from birthday parties, New Year celebrations, to the weekly dinner table right at home.
Where to Buy Egg Noodles
Pancit Canton egg noodles can be found at a Chinese or Filipino grocery store. You can use other kinds of noodles for pancit like chow mein nodles that are wheat and I use those in mie ayam (Indo chicken noodles), but for specific canton noodles, the package will say Canton Noodles (or Kanton) and if you read closer, it will say egg noodles.
You’ll see the isle has flour noodles, rice noodles, bean thread…just look for egg noodles and these noodles are yellow in color like egg yolk.
I love egg noodles because this homemade pancit is better tasting than when I crave takeout, but still want that restaurant type of flavor and chewy noodles, similar to chow mein.
Ingredients
- Garlic (minced) – Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
- Celery (thin lengthwise cuts) – Provides a crisp texture and a slight herbal note.
- Onions (1/4″ lengthwise cuts) – Enhances the dish with sweetness as it caramelizes.
- Carrots (thin lengthwise cuts) – Brings color, slight sweetness, and crunch.
- Soy Sauce – The base of the savory umami flavor in the sauce.
- Oyster Sauce – Adds a rich, slightly sweet, and deep umami taste. You can use regular, vegan, or gluten free.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Helps create a flavorful, well-balanced sauce without too much salt.
- Pancit Canton Egg Noodles – The signature wheat-based noodles that absorb all the flavors.
- Green Cabbage (thin lengthwise cuts) – Adds a soft, slightly sweet bite to balance the dish.
- Black Pepper (light sprinkle to taste) – Gives a mild heat and enhances all the flavors.
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Tongs
Instructions
This easy pancit canton shrimp, recipe is a quick and flavorful choice for busy weeknights. With just two pans and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Peel and devein the shrimp for easy cooking.
- Using pre-peeled shrimp saves time, especially when hungry mouths are waiting!
- Set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Start the Noodles & Sauce
- Heat a large wok or braiser pan—it heats quickly and is great for stirring and serving.
- Sauté the minced garlic in oil until fragrant, then add the mirepoix (onions, celery, and carrots).
- Once the vegetables start to glisten but aren’t fully cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth.
- Add the canton egg noodles, pressing them gently into the broth.
- Cover with a lid and let them absorb the liquid—this is a great time for a quick dance break!
- After a few minutes, uncover and stir until the noodles are soft and al dente.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Toss in the cabbage, cover again, and let it steam briefly.
- The goal is to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- While the noodles cook, heat a smaller pan with a little oil.
- Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and develop a slight golden sear on the edges.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste—this should take less than 10 minutes.
- Once done, place the shrimp on top of the pancit canton.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with Fresno chilis and scallions for a spicy kick and colorful presentation.
- Serve with lemon or calamansi on the side for a fresh citrusy finish.
This dish is a complete, well-balanced meal—protein, veggies, and noodles all in one! The vegetables should stay bright and slightly crisp, while the noodles soak up the rich sauce.
Step by Step Images
Notes
- There is no need for other ingredients in this simple pancit as the star will be crisp vegetables and tasty sauteed shrimp, enveloped in perfect springy noodles.
- While I do love sauce, I don’t prefer an overly saucy or salty pancit canton. The noodles and broth already have salt, so no more is needed to keep this more of a healthy meal.
- I eliminate added sugar and cornstarch as well…when you eat this more often, it’s really not necessary and I don’t feel it adds to the flavor or texture.
- I love this easy pancit with shrimp version the most, and sometimes even add spinach greens or bok choy to boost the health factor.
Can I store Pancit leftovers?
Yes. Pancit leftovers taste so good and store wonderfully in a glass container for 1-2 more days. Microwave covered with a splash of water.
What can I do to prep beforehand?
Use a mandolin for easy cutting of veggies. You can always make pancit mirepoix beforehand, and store it in the fridge in air-tight, glass containers. Add a napkin to the container to avoid condensation and it will make the veggies last longer.
Can I freeze this?
No.
What do I serve with pancit canton and shrimp?
Lemon or calamansi garnish. No other sides are needed, however, rice is always welcome.
Simple Classic Filipino Pancit Canton with Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 wok or large braiser pan for pancit
- 1 medium saute pan for sauteeing shrimp
- 1 Large Metal Tongs for tossing the noodles
Ingredients
- 1 package Pancit Canton Egg Noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- ½ cup yellow onion cut in quarter-inch thick long strips
- 1 cup celery stalk julienned
- 1 cup medium size carrot julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup green cabbage julienned
Making the Sauteed Shrimp
- 20 pieces shrimp
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- lemon wedges
- Fresno chili garnish over the top when serving
- scallions garnish over the top when serving
Instructions
Making Pancit Canton
- Heat the pancit pan over medium flame and add oil.2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- In the pan, Saute the onions for one minute then add carrot and celery½ cup yellow onion, 1 cup celery stalk, 1 cup medium size carrot
- After one minute add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Quickly mix and toss with the ingredients.2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Add the chicken broth1¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
- Bring broth to a simmer and place the Canton egg noodles on top, pressing them into the broth, and close the pan with the lid1 package Pancit Canton Egg Noodles
- After two minutes remove the lid and the noodles should have been softened and soaking up the broth. Gently mix the noodles with the veggies and then add the green cabbage on top of the noodles.1 cup green cabbage
- Close the lid of the pan for two minutes. Remove the lid and remove the pan from the heat.
- Your pancit canton is ready. Now for the shrimp…
Saute the Shrimp
- Heat pan over medium-high flame and add the oil.1 ½ tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- Drop in shrimp and let the shrimp lay in the oil to sear and have some brown edges. Five minutes.20 pieces shrimp
- Once a sear is starting, quickly cook the other side for about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimps.salt and pepper
- Remove from heat and serve over the pancit canton.
Finalizing the Pancit Canton
- Once the pancit canton and shrimp is done, you are ready to eat! Add some lemon garnish on the side. Top with slivers of Fresno chili and scallions for some spice.Serve and Enjoy!lemon wedges, Fresno chili, scallions
Notes
- Make a lot for a party with other sides on the buffet table like rice, lumpia, chinese chicken salad, and bok choy
- serve with steamed rice as a side
- add in spinach
- make spicy with chili garlic sauce covering the sautéd shrimp
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