Bicol Express Recipe

Bicol Express Recipe is one of the most popular Filipino dishes consisting of pork belly cubes cooked in coconut milk and chili peppers. The combination of juicy, tender pork belly cubes with the hot, fiery chili peppers and the creaminess of coconut milk makes this dish spicy, creamy, rich and delicious. This dish is served with white rice for a perfect meal.

Bicol Express has all the ingredients and flavors of a classic dish from the Philippines. It contains a generous amount of juicy, succulent pork belly enriched by a local flavor and seasoning – fresh shrimp paste or bagoong.

Bicol Express Filipino Recipe – Everything You Need To Know:

The Bicol Express Recipe consists of six main ingredients: pork belly chops, Thai chili peppers, coconut milk, coconut cream, finger chilies and shrimp paste. The recipe can be prepared in seventy minutes and served to at least four individuals as a main course. There are 1102 calories per serving in this Bicol Express Recipe.

Traditionally, Bicol Express is usually served as the main dish during lunch or dinner, served on white rice as a nice canvas for its rich, spicy flavors.

Bicol Express Ingredients

• 2 lb Pork Belly: The juicy, succulent pork belly is the main component of Bicol Express.
• 14 pieces Thai Chili Peppers: Thai Chili Peppers add a fiery, hot component to the dish.
• 1 can Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds creamy richness to the dish.
• 2 cups Finger Chilies: Finger chilies are very hot peppers that add spiciness to the recipe.
• 1 cup Coconut Cream: Coconut cream balances out the hotness of the chili peppers.
• 1 cup Water: Water prevents the dish from drying out and being dehydrated.
• 4 Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds depth to the already existing flavors.
• 1 Onion: Onion gives the dish an added texture and flavor.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Shrimp Paste: Fresh shrimp paste, also known as Bagoong, is a local Filipino seasoning.
• 1 tbsp Canola Oil: Canola oil is used to brown the onions, garlic and pork cubes.

How To Make Bicol Express?

1. Take a wide pot and heat oil in it over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook them, while stirring occasionally, until they are softened.
2. Add the pork cubes and cook until lightly browned.
3. Next, add the shrimp paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Now, add the coconut milk, water, and chili peppers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 35 to 35 minutes or until the pork is tender and the liquid is reduced and begins to render fat.
5. Add the finger chilies and cook further for about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add the coconut cream and continue to simmer until the mixture has thickened and begins to render fat.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Also Try: Albers Cornbread Recipe

Tips To Make The Best Bicol Express

Follow these tips and tricks for the best possible results on this Bicol Express Recipe:

• Make sure to freeze the pork belly until partially firm to make slicing easier.
• Make sure to rinse the shrimp paste and drain it before using to get rid of the extra saltiness and the bright color.
• Make sure to cook the coconut milk in a gentle simmer to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. If it is heated too quickly or brought to a boil, the coconut milk tends to curdle.
• You can add vegetables to the recipe such as long beans or string beans.

Bicol Express Recipe FAQs

What is Bicol Express made of?

Bicol Express is a spicy pork dish consisting of pork belly chops, coconut milk, Thai Chili peppers, coconut cream, shrimp paste, finger chilies, onion, garlic cloves and canola oil.

Why is Bicol Express pink?

The Bicol Express gets it slightly pink color from one of the primary ingredients, shrimp paste. The shrimp paste gives the recipe umami flavor as well as a slightly pinkish hue.

Is Bicol Express healthy?

Bicol Express is a dish with tons of calories, making this recipe not waist friendly. However, it still has a lot of health benefits. It has a high amount of Vitamin C, Iron and magnesium levels.

Bicol Express Recipe Card