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Recipe of Bicol Express
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
Preparation40 min
Servings4
Difficulty
Intermediate
CategoryMeat
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
Join me and let's see how to make Bicol Express
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.
Step 10
Season the Bicol Express with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness with more chilies if desired.
Step 11
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 12
Serve your Bicol Express hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the fiery, creamy, and savory flavors of this Filipino favorite!
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Bicol Express and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Variations of this recipe
Try these delicious variations of Bicol Express to give a different touch to your preparation.
Vegetarian version: substitute meat with plant proteins like tofu or legumes
Spicy version: add chili peppers or spicy spices to taste
Healthy version: reduce oil and increase vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 40 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for 4 servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
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.