How difficult is it to prepare Bicol Express?

This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.

How long does it take to prepare Bicol Express?

The preparation time is 40 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe is designed for 4 servings.

Can I substitute some ingredients?

Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.

How should I store this preparation?

Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Meat • 28 de Sep de 2023

Bicol Express

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Bicol Express is a fiery and flavorful Filipino stew that combines tender pork, spicy chilies, creamy coconut milk, and the unique umami of shrimp paste. Named after the Bicol region's fiery cuisine, it's a delightful adventure for your taste buds.

Recipe Summary

Preparation

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

500g pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 cups coconut milk 4-6 red Thai chili peppers (adjust to taste) 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tomato, diced 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong) 2 tablespoons cooking oil Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the onions and cook until they become translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Step 5

Add the pork pieces and cook until they turn brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6

Stir in the shrimp paste (bagoong) and continue to cook for a few minutes, mixing well to distribute the flavor.

Step 7

Add the coconut milk to the pan, stir, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the pork becomes tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 8

While the stew is simmering, slice the red Thai chili peppers. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice preference, but traditionally, it's quite spicy.

Step 9

Add the sliced chili peppers to the stew. Be cautious and use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling the chilies, as they can be extremely spicy.