Spicy Filipino Bicol Express

A Creamy, Spicy Pork Dish with Shrimp Paste

Bicol Express is a tantalizingly spicy Filipino dish, combining pork, shrimp paste, and creamy coconut milk for a rich and fiery experience.

1 h 20 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pork

500g pork belly

cut into bite-sized cubes

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion

finely chopped

4 cloves garlic

minced

For the Spicy Sauce

4 tbsp shrimp paste (bagoong)

1 cup coconut cream

2 cups coconut milk

6-8 green chilies

sliced diagonally

2 red chilies

for extra heat, sliced

For the Seasoning

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Pork

Combine Pork and Seasoning

In a bowl, combine pork belly cubes with salt and pepper.

Rest the Pork

Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to permeate.

Drain Excess Liquid

Drain any excess liquid before cooking.

Preparing the Ingredients

Prep Chilies

Slice the chilies and keep them aside.

Prep Aromatics

Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.

Mix Coconut Milk and Cream

In a pot, mix coconut milk and cream, and set aside.

Cooking Process

Brown the Pork

In a pan with oil over medium heat, brown the pork cubes. Remove and set them aside.

Timing: 8-10 minutes. Heat: Medium-high.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

Timing: 5 minutes. Heat: Medium.

Cook the Sauce

Add shrimp paste and chilies to the pan, and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Maintain medium-low heat to avoid burning the paste.

Plating & Serving

Spicy Filipino Bicol Express

FaUtensils

Serve and Garnish

Serve hot over white rice, garnished with extra chilies.

Sauce Pairings

Shrimp Paste

Savory and salty

Coconut Sauce

Rich and creamy

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Extra sliced chiliesChopped scallions

Perfect Sides

Steamed jasmine rice

Grilled eggplant