Easy Bicol Express Recipe

Welcome! to Bicol Express Recipe. Bicol Express is a spicy Filipino dish made with pork, coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, onion, ginger, and chili peppers, known for its rich and fiery flavor profile.

In this post, I am going to cover a Recipe for Bicol Express along with its equipment, ingredients, origin, exact steps, storage tips, and much more! So, please continue reading.

Why Make Bicol Express Recipe at Home?

Making Bicol Express Recipe at home allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences, ensuring the perfect balance of spice and flavor.

By preparing it yourself, you can control the quality and freshness of the ingredients used, resulting in a more delicious and authentic dish. Plus, cooking Bicol Express Recipe at home is a rewarding culinary experience that allows you to showcase the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine to friends and family.

History and Origin

Bicol Express originated in the Bicol region of the Philippines, known for its love of spicy food. The dish was created as a way to showcase the region’s abundant chili peppers and coconut milk.

It is named after the train that travels from Manila to Bicol, symbolizing the journey of flavors from one region to another. Over time, Bicol Express Recipe has become a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients Required

The ingredients required to make Bicol Express Recipe are:

1. Pork belly or shoulder, sliced into bite-sized pieces
2. Coconut milk
3. Shrimp paste (bagoong)
4. Garlic, minced
5. Onion, chopped
6. Ginger, minced
7. Chili peppers
8. Cooking oil
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. Water (for simmering) These ingredients come together to create the rich and flavorful dish known as Bicol Express.

Equipment Required

The equipment required to make Bicol Express Recipe includes:

1. Large pan or wok
2. Cooking tools (wooden spoons and spatulas, for example)
3. Knife and cutting board for preparing ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Serving dish

These basic kitchen tools are sufficient for preparing and serving Bicol Express at home.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe, including pork, coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, onion, ginger, and chili peppers. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic, onion, and ginger.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat some oil in a big pan or wok over medium heat. Saute the minced garlic, onion, and ginger until aromatic.

Step 3: Add the Pork and Shrimp Paste

Add the sliced pork to the pan and cook until it starts to brown. Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pork is Tender

Pour in enough water to cover the pork and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook until the pork is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chili Peppers

Once the pork is tender, pour in the coconut milk and add the chili peppers. To get the right amount of spiciness, adjust the number of chili peppers.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings

If necessary, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings. To taste, add more salt and pepper.

Tips for Making the Best Bicol Express

For the best Bicol Express, use pork belly or shoulder for succulence, and opt for fresh coconut milk for richness. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers, depending on preference.

Sauté aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant for depth of flavor. Lastly, taste and adjust seasonings to ensure a perfectly balanced dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its creamy texture and spicy kick.

Recipe card

Easy Bicol Express Recipe

Welcome! to Bicol Express Recipe. Bicol Express is a spicy Filipino dish made with pork, coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, onion, ginger, and chili peppers, known for its rich and fiery flavor profile.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Large pan or wok
• Cooking tools (wooden spoons and spatulas, for example)
• Knife and cutting board for preparing ingredients
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Serving dish

Ingredients

  

The ingredients required to make Bicol Express Recipe are:

• Pork belly or shoulder sliced into bite-sized pieces
• Coconut milk
• Shrimp paste bagoong
• Garlic minced
• Onion chopped
• Ginger minced
• Chili peppers
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe, including pork, coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, onion, ginger, and chili peppers. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic, onion, and ginger.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat some oil in a big pan or wok over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Pork and Shrimp Paste

• Add the sliced pork to the pan and cook until it starts to brown. Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pork is Tender

• Pour in enough water to cover the pork and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook until the pork is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chili Peppers

• Once the pork is tender, pour in the coconut milk and add the chili peppers. To get the right amount of spiciness, adjust the number of chili peppers.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings

• If necessary, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings. To taste, add more salt and pepper.
  

Notes

• Protein: 20-25g per serving
• Fat: 15-20g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g per serving
• Fiber: 1-2g per serving
• Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium

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Variations of Bicol Express

While the traditional recipe calls for pork, there are variations of the Bicol Express Recipe that use different proteins such as chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Some recipes also include vegetables like eggplant or string beans.

Health Benefits of Bicol Express

Bicol Express Recipe offers health benefits despite its indulgent flavors. Pork provides essential protein for muscle growth and repair. Coconut milk contributes healthy fats, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy.

Additionally, garlic, onion, ginger, and chili peppers are rich in vitamins and minerals, boosting immunity and aiding digestion. When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, Bicol Express Recipe can be a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Serving Suggestions

Bicol Express Recipe pairs perfectly with steamed rice, which helps balance the spicy flavors of the dish. For a complete meal, serve with a side of blanched vegetables like bok choy or broccoli to add freshness and texture.

Garnish with sliced chili peppers or chopped spring onions for extra heat and visual appeal. This hearty and flavorful dish is best enjoyed with loved ones, making it a perfect addition to any family meal or gathering.

Storage Techniques

To store leftover Bicol Express, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Before reheating, stir well to redistribute the flavors. Alternatively, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop slowly until well heated. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Bicol Express whenever cravings strike with these simple storage techniques.

Wrapping Up

To begin making Bicol Express, prepare the aromatics by mincing garlic, chopping onion, and grating ginger. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the aromatics until fragrant, then add the pork and shrimp paste, cooking until browned.

In the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, please give this dish five stars if you enjoy it. Also, don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! I am sure that you will also like the Best Chicken Sliders Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)