Sotanghon Guisado
Sotanghon Guisado
Contents
Sotanghon Guisado is a classic Filipino stir-fried noodle dish made with thin, translucent vermicelli noodles (sotanghon), often paired with chicken, pork, or shrimp, and a mix of vegetables. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes oyster sauce, creating a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for gatherings or everyday meals.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 250 grams sotanghon noodles
- 1 lb chicken (or pork, shrimp, or a combination)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup annatto water (or 1 teaspoon annatto powder)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup onion leeks (or spring onions), chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add celery, 3/4 cup diced onions, whole peppercorns, and chicken. Simmer for 40-60 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred the meat. Strain the broth and set aside. -
Soak the Noodles:
Soak the sotanghon noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Sauté garlic and the remaining 3/4 cup diced onions until fragrant. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. -
Add Broth and Annatto:
Pour in the annatto water and reserved chicken broth. Bring to a boil. -
Cook Vegetables:
Add carrots and half of the chopped onion leeks. Cook for 3 minutes. -
Combine Noodles:
Add the soaked sotanghon noodles and fish sauce. Toss gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles absorb the broth. -
Serve:
Transfer to a serving plate, top with the remaining onion leeks, and garnish with calamansi slices or lemon wedges. Serve hot.
Tips and Notes
- Annatto Water: If annatto seeds are unavailable, substitute with annatto powder or omit entirely. The dish will still taste great, though it may lack the vibrant orange hue.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, or snow peas.
- Protein Variations: You can use pork, shrimp, or a combination of meats for added flavor.
- Pre-soaking Noodles: Avoid soaking the noodles for too long, as they may overcook during stir-frying.
FAQ
1. Can I substitute onion leeks with spring onions?
Yes, spring onions can be used as a substitute for onion leeks.
2. Is annatto water necessary?
Annatto water is primarily used for color and is optional. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
Ensure the noodles are only soaked until pliable and not overcooked during the stir-frying process.
5. Can I use other types of noodles?
While sotanghon is traditional, you can use other noodles like rice noodles (bihon) or egg noodles (canton).
Related guides
- Pancit Bihon: The Complete Guide to Filipino Stir-Fried Rice Noodles
- Pancit Canton: A Complete Guide to the Filipino Noodle Classic
- Pancit Malabon Recipe: A Complete Guide
- Pancit Palabok: A Complete Guide to the Classic Filipino Noodle Dish
- Adobong Kangkong (Filipino Water Spinach Adobo)