A beloved Filipino weeknight staple, this stir-fried rice vermicelli combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a savory soy-and-fish-sauce seasoning. Quick enough for any busy evening yet flavorful enough to anchor a celebration table.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings4
Yield4 generous servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 460 kcalCalories
- 12 gFat
- 2.5 gSaturated Fat
- 62 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 5 gSugar
- 28 gProtein
- 1180 mgSodium
- 520 mgPotassium
- 95 mgCalcium
- 3.2 mgIron
- 38 mgVitamin C
- 4200 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the noodles and protein
- 8 oz (225 g) dried rice vermicelli (bihon)
- 8 oz (225 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced thin
- 6 oz (170 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
For the vegetables
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup green beans or snap peas, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths
For the sauce and seasoning
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons toasted garlic bits
- 4 wedges calamansi or lemon
Directions
- Soak the rice vermicelli in warm water for 8 to 10 minutes until pliable but still firm; drain and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Sauté garlic and onion for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink.
- Toss in carrots and green beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add cabbage and bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok along with the drained noodles. Pour the sauce evenly over everything and gently toss for 3 to 4 minutes, using tongs, until the noodles absorb the liquid and turn a uniform light brown.
- Stir in the green onions and taste; adjust salt or fish sauce as needed. Transfer to a serving platter and top with cilantro and toasted garlic bits.
- Serve immediately with calamansi wedges and a side of patis or chili vinegar for guests to adjust seasoning to taste.
Cook’s Notes
- Do not soak the rice vermicelli longer than 10 minutes; they will finish softening in the sauce and over-soaking leads to mushy noodles.
- For a more traditional flavor, render 2 tablespoons of chicken fat or use bacon drippings instead of plain vegetable oil.
- Cook the vegetables in stages based on density so each retains its color and crunch rather than turning soggy.
- A squeeze of calamami right before eating brightens the entire dish and is the classic Filipino finishing touch.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot wok with a splash of broth to refresh the noodles.










