If you’re looking to dive into a rich, comforting, and flavorful Filipino dish, Pancit Lomi is a fantastic choice. This hearty noodle soup, filled with tender meat, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, is perfect for any occasion-whether it’s a rainy day, a family gathering, or just a regular weeknight when you’re craving something filling and satisfying. It combines the tradition of Pancit (a term that covers a wide variety of Filipino noodle dishes) with the heartiness of a soup, making it a truly unique and beloved Filipino comfort food.
Pancit Lomi hails from the province of Batangas, where it’s typically enjoyed in a large bowl, often shared among family and friends. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in the flexibility of the ingredients. You can mix and match the proteins and seasonings to suit your preference, but one thing is certain: when done right, it’s an absolute bowl of comfort.
Pancit Lomi Soup Recipe
The beauty of Pancit Lomi lies in its simplicity combined with its rich flavors. The dish is made up of thick egg noodles, cooked with a flavorful, savory broth that gets its richness from a combination of meats (usually pork, chicken, and sometimes shrimp) and vegetables. It’s typically served with a sprinkle of fried garlic and a squeeze of calamansi (a citrus fruit) for that perfect balance of savory and tangy.
Here’s how you can recreate this Filipino classic in your own kitchen:
Ingredients Needed
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- Lomi noodles (thick egg noodles): These are the star of the dish and the key to its texture. They’re slightly chewy and absorb all the flavors of the broth perfectly.
- Pork belly (sliced thinly): Adds richness and depth to the soup. You can substitute with other cuts of pork, but pork belly has the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken breast or thigh (shredded): Provides a lighter contrast to the pork, with its tender texture complementing the thick noodles.
- Shrimp (optional, peeled and deveined): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing the savory pork and chicken.
- Garlic (minced): For a nice aromatic base that adds flavor right from the start.
- Onion (chopped): Helps to create a fragrant foundation when sautéed with garlic.
- Carrot (julienned or sliced thinly): For crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Cabbage (shredded): Adds texture and a slightly bitter note to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Chicken or pork broth (or water): The liquid base of your soup. Using broth will give you a much richer flavor.
- Soy sauce: For a savory umami flavor.
- Fish sauce: A key ingredient in Filipino cooking, it adds a distinct salty flavor.
- Eggs (optional): Some recipes call for raw egg beaten into the soup at the end, adding richness and creating a silky texture.
- Calamansi (or lemon if unavailable): This citrus fruit is often squeezed over the soup just before serving, giving it a burst of tanginess.
- Fried garlic (optional): A crunchy topping for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s start cooking!
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Slice your pork belly, chicken, and vegetables (carrot, cabbage, onion, and garlic).
- If using shrimp, make sure it’s peeled and deveined.
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Cook The Noodles
- Boil the Lomi noodles in a separate pot of water for about 5 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside. You can toss them in a little oil to prevent them from sticking together.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Cook The Meat
- Add the sliced pork belly to the pot and cook until it’s browned and crispy around the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the chicken (shredded or in small pieces) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
- If using shrimp, add it at this stage and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns pink and opaque.
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Build The Soup Base
- Add the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add The Vegetables
- Once the meat is tender and the broth is flavorful, add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
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Combine With Noodles
- Add the cooked Lomi noodles into the pot with the soup. Stir gently to mix everything well, ensuring the noodles absorb the flavorful broth.
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Optional Egg
- If you want that silky texture, you can whisk in a raw egg at this point. Just make sure the heat isn’t too high, so the egg doesn’t scramble. The egg should gently cook into the soup, making it creamy.
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Final Touches
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more fish sauce or soy sauce for saltiness, or a squeeze of calamansi for acidity.
- Serve the Pancit Lomi in large bowls, topped with fried garlic and more calamansi on the side for that extra zing.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Pancit Lomi brings something unique to the dish:
- Lomi noodles: These thick, chewy noodles soak up the broth beautifully, providing the perfect texture to complement the tender meat and vegetables. They are essential for the “Lomi” character of the dish.
- Pork belly: The fat in pork belly melts into the broth, creating a deep richness that makes every bite indulgent.
- Fish sauce: This is the backbone of Filipino cuisine. It has a complex, savory flavor that enhances the broth’s overall profile.
- Calamansi: The tangy burst of flavor from calamansi adds brightness to the rich, savory soup. It’s the finishing touch that balances everything.
- Egg: While optional, the egg adds a smooth, velvety richness to the soup, elevating the dish to something luxurious.
Expert Tips
- Use homemade broth: If you have time, making your own chicken or pork broth will elevate the flavor of the soup immensely. Simply simmer meat with aromatics (onions, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns) for a few hours.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: The vegetables should remain slightly crisp to contrast the softness of the noodles and meat. Adding them last helps them retain their texture and fresh flavor.
- Adjust the broth: If you find the soup too salty, add a bit more water or broth to balance it out. If it’s too bland, increase the soy sauce or fish sauce incrementally until it’s perfect.
- Try other proteins: While pork, chicken, and shrimp are common, feel free to get creative. Tofu, beef, or even fish fillets can be used, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
Recipe Variations
While the basic recipe remains the same, there are endless ways you can make Pancit Lomi your own:
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Lomi: Omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth for a lighter, plant-based version. Tofu can replace the meat.
- Sizzling Lomi: For a more dramatic presentation, serve the Lomi on a hot sizzling plate. The heat will sizzle as you stir in the soup.
- Lomi with seafood: Swap out the pork and chicken for more seafood like crab or fish fillets for a coastal twist on the dish.
Final Words
Pancit Lomi is not just a meal-it’s an experience. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every bite, from the chewy noodles to the rich broth, and the tender meat that’s soaked up all those savory flavors. Whether you’re familiar with Filipino cuisine or just starting to explore, Pancit Lomi is a dish that represents the heart and soul of Filipino cooking: simple yet flavorful, and always made with love.
FAQs
What Is Pancit Lomi?
Pancit Lomi is a Filipino noodle soup made with thick, chewy egg noodles in a rich and savory broth. It typically includes a variety of meats like pork, chicken, or beef, along with vegetables, and is seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and other spices.
How Do You Cook Pancit Lomi?
To cook Pancit Lomi, sauté garlic, onions, and your choice of meat (usually pork or chicken) in a pan. Add water or broth, and let it simmer. Then, add lomi noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, and seasonings to taste. Cook until the noodles are tender, then garnish with green onions and fried garlic before serving.
What Kind Of Noodles Are Used In Pancit Lomi?
Pancit Lomi uses thick, yellow egg noodles, which have a chewy texture that absorbs the flavorful broth well. These noodles can be found in Filipino or Asian markets.
Can I Use Other Types Of Noodles For Pancit Lomi?
While traditional Pancit Lomi uses thick egg noodles, you can substitute other types of noodles like ramen or udon if you can’t find lomi noodles. However, this may slightly change the texture of the dish.
What Are The Key Ingredients For Pancit Lomi?
The key ingredients for Pancit Lomi include lomi noodles, chicken, pork or beef, garlic, onions, soy sauce, fish sauce, and broth (either chicken, pork, or beef). Optional ingredients include vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and green onions, and garnishes like fried garlic and boiled eggs.
Can Pancit Lomi Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes, Pancit Lomi can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and replacing the meat with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage.
What Is The Difference Between Pancit Lomi And Other Filipino Noodle Dishes?
Pancit Lomi is distinct due to its thick, egg noodles and rich, savory broth. Unlike other Filipino noodle dishes, such as Pancit Canton or Pancit Malabon, which feature stir-fried noodles, Lomi is a soupy noodle dish with a comforting, hearty broth.
Can I Make Pancit Lomi In Advance?
Yes, you can make Pancit Lomi in advance. The noodles may absorb some of the broth over time, so it’s a good idea to keep the soup and noodles separate and combine them when ready to serve. Reheat the soup and add a bit of water or broth if necessary.
What Are Some Variations Of Pancit Lomi?
There are several regional variations of Pancit Lomi in the Philippines. Some variations include adding seafood like shrimp or squid, using a different mix of meats, or adding more vegetables like snow peas or bell peppers for extra flavor.
What Can I Serve With Pancit Lomi?
Pancit Lomi is usually served as a hearty meal on its own but can be paired with a side of crispy fried spring rolls (lumpia), garlic bread, or steamed rice for a more filling meal.