Example methods and systems for a programmable virtual network interface controller (VNIC) to perform packet processing are described. In one example, the programmable VNIC may modify a packet processing pipeline based on the instruction. The modification may include injecting a second packet processing stage among the multiple first packet processing stages of the packet processing pipeline. In response to detecting an ingress packet that requires processing by the programmable VNIC, the ingress packet may be steered towards the modified packet processing pipeline. The ingress packet may then be processed using the modified packet processing pipeline by performing the second packet processing stage (a) to bypass at least one of the multiple first processing stages, or (b) in addition to the multiple first processing stages.