Pancit Palabok (Filipino Rice Noodles with Pork and Shrimp Sauce)

Step 1

Bring the seafood stock to a boil in a small sauce pan. Drop in the shrimp and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to retrieve the shrimp. Peel the shrimp, and set aside. Return the shells to the saucepan, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Strain the broth and set aside.

Step 2

NOTE: If you are pinched for time, skip boiling the shrimp shells substitute with shrimp bouillon dissolved in 1 1/2 cups water. If your shrimp are peeled and deveined, then use the stock as it is!

Step 3

Combine the achuete paste and hot water, and set aside. Combine cornstarch with cold water and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Sauté the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is transparent. Add the pork, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked. Stir in cooking wine.

Step 5

Add the shrimp/seafood sauce, achuete liquid, cornstarch slurry, fish sauce and black pepper, and cook, for another five minutes stirring frequently, or until the sauce has thickened. Set aside.

Step 6

Meanwhile, make the noodles. In a separate deep-sided skillet, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles and cook for about 3 minutes, or cooked according to package directions. Drain the noodles and place in a serving dish.

Step 7

Reheat the sauce, if necessary, and pour over the noodles. Garnish with sliced eggs, smoked fish, green onions, and lemon wedges. To eat, toss the noodles in the sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice and enjoy.