Bicol Express is a saucy dish with pork belly cooked in coconut milk, fresh shrimp paste, and chilli. This Bicol Express recipe will make one that’s creamy, spicy, and goes perfect with rice! The essential component of Bicol Express is the spice. It might not look like it, but it packs a punch! It is the perfect dish for spice fanatics. So, check out this Bicol Express recipe to see just how much chilli is needed.
Meal: Lunch, Dinner Cuisine: Filipino
Preparation time: Cooking time: Total time: Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 onion
900g of pork belly
15ml of canola oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
30g of fresh shrimp paste
1 can of coconut milk
237ml of water
8 Thai chilli peppers, minced
6 finger chillis, sliced
237ml of coconut cream
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Equipment
1 large pan
Directions
Peel and thinly slice the onion, then cut the pork belly into bite-size cubes. Set aside.
Pour the oil into a large pan and heat it over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic into the pan. Cook until softened.
Next, add the pork and cook until lightly browned.
Add the shrimp paste and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Add coconut milk, water, and chilli peppers.
Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 35 minutes. By then, the pork should be tender, and the liquid should be reduced, rendering fat.
Next, add the finger chillis and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly.
Then, add coconut cream and let it simmer until it thickens and renders fat.
Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Some Alterations to your Bicol Express (if needed)
Here are some alterations that may better suit your preference. Now that you know just how much chilli is in this Bicol Express recipe, you may reduce it or scrape off the seeds. A dish with pork belly and coconut milk is obviously not diet-friendly. So, if you’d like to make a healthier version, you can add vegetables like long beans and substitute the pork belly for pork shoulder, chicken, or even seafood.
Missing some ingredients?
Have we got you hooked on trying out this Bicol Express recipe? Don’t fret if you are missing some ingredients! Get the ball rolling and visit pandamart. We’ve got pork of all cuts, all the vegetables you need, and more. Head over to our online store and place your order now.