Spicy and Creamy Bicol Express: A Fiery Filipino Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup shrimp paste
  • 1 cup chili peppers, chopped
  • 5 pieces of serrano pepper, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan.
  2. Sauté the garlic and onions until soft and aromatic.
  3. Add the pork belly slices and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in the shrimp paste until well incorporated with the pork.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
  7. Add the chopped chili peppers and serrano peppers to the pan.
  8. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  9. Finally, pour in the coconut cream and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  10. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with rice.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A wide cooking pan to sauté and cook the pork belly.
  • Cooking spoon - A spoon for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the pork belly and chopping the onions, garlic, and chili peppers.
  • Cutting board - A surface for safely cutting the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for accurately measuring the coconut milk, coconut cream, and shrimp paste.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for measuring the cooking oil, minced garlic, and salt.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute pork belly with chicken thighs or beef for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as green beans, eggplant, or bok choy for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of chili peppers, like bird's eye chili or jalapeño, to adjust the spiciness level.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of shrimp paste.
  • Add other aromatics such as ginger, lemongrass, or turmeric for a unique twist.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more coconut milk for a creamier sauce or reducing it for a thicker, richer texture.
  • Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or squid to make it a seafood Bicol Express.
  • For a healthier option, use light coconut milk or coconut cream, and reduce the amount of oil used.
  • Add a squeeze of calamansi or lime juice before serving to add a tangy flavor.
  • Garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a fresh herbaceous touch.

Recipe overview

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish named after the Bicol region in the Philippines, known for its spicy and creamy cuisine. This dish features succulent pieces of pork belly simmered in a rich and spicy sauce made from coconut milk, shrimp paste, and an abundance of chili peppers. The end result is a mouth-wateringly spicy and savory treat that is best enjoyed with a side of warm rice. Expect a flavor-packed meal with a good amount of heat, balanced by the creamy and slightly sweet coconut milk. This Bicol Express recipe will surely transport your taste buds to the heart of Filipino cuisine. Get ready to plunge into a culinary experience that is as vibrant and exciting as the region itself.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of meat instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork shoulder or chicken as a substitute for pork belly.
  2. Is there a substitute for shrimp paste? If you can't find shrimp paste, you can use fish sauce as an alternative.
  3. How spicy is Bicol Express? The level of spiciness depends on the amount and type of chili peppers you use. Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference.
  4. Can I make Bicol Express ahead of time? Yes, Bicol Express can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
  5. How long does Bicol Express last in the refrigerator? Bicol Express can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  6. Can I freeze Bicol Express? Yes, you can freeze Bicol Express. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A large cooking pan for sautéing and simmering the ingredients.
  • Cooking spoon - A spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the pork belly and chopping the onions, garlic, and chili peppers.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for accurately measuring the coconut milk, coconut cream, and shrimp paste.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for precise measurement of cooking oil, garlic, and other small quantities.
  • Rice cooker - Optional, but useful for perfectly cooking rice to serve with the Bicol Express.
  • Plates and bowls - For serving the Bicol Express and rice.
  • Serving spoon or ladle - For scooping and serving the Bicol Express onto plates or bowls.
  • Chopsticks or fork - Utensils for enjoying the Bicol Express and rice.

Origin stories

Bicol Express, a spicy Filipino dish, hails from the Bicol region in the Philippines, known for its love of chili and coconut milk, both essential ingredients in this recipe. Surprisingly, the dish got its name from a train service that travels from Manila to the Bicol region. Legend has it that a restaurateur named Cely Kalaw invented the dish during the 1970s in her restaurant in Malate, Manila. She named it after the train service as a tribute to her hometown and to reflect the dish's spicy flavor journey akin to the express train's long and exciting journey. Bicol Express perfectly encapsulates the Bicolanos' affection for spicy food and the ubiquitous use of coconut milk in their cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.