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    Home » Lunch

    Pork Bicol Express Recipe

    Jun 9, 2023 · Leave a Comment

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    Bicol Express is a spicy dish which hails from the Bicol region of the Philippines. It's made with tender pork and coconut milk to create a hearty and delicious meal.

    Bicol Express in a wok top with chili peppers

    You might want to try these famous Filipino dishes, Pork Lumpia, Pork Siomai, and Ginisang Sayote.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love them
    • What is Bicol Express?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make it
    • Serving
    • Store
    • More Pork Recipes
    • What to make next
    • Recipe

    Why you'll love them

    • Easy to make and requires only few ingredients.
    • Bold and flavourful perfect for spicy lovers.
    • Versatile, it can be substituted with chicken, beef or even tofu for a healthy version!

    What is Bicol Express?

    Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish consisting of pork braised in coconut milk and flavored with a spicy blend of shrimp paste (alamang), chili peppers, garlic, and onions.

    This dish originates from the Bicol region of the Philippines, where it gets its name. It's perfect with rice and enjoyed by spicy food lovers.

    Ingredients

    • Pork: I highly recommend to use pork belly or shoulder. These cuts of meat are tender and will absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
    • Coconut Milk: full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier flavor. Avoid using coconut cream as it has a thick consistency.
    • Chili Peppers: I am using Thai chili peppers or siling labuyo for this dish. Adjust according to your desired spice level.
    • Shrimp Paste: is a key ingredient for this recipe. This recipes uses plain/uncooked shrimp paste. You can find them in Asian/Filipino store.
    • Onion: white, yellow or red onions works fine.
    • Garlic: about 4 cloves of garlic.

    How to make it

    instructions pork Bicol Express

    Step 1. Sautè aromatics until fragrant.

    Step 2. Add pork and cook until browned.

    Step 3. Add in coconut milk, shrimp paste, chillies and simmer until meat is tender.

    Step 4. Season with salt and pepper of needed.

    Serving

    Pork Bicol Express can be served with warm rice. I also loved to eat them with a side of tortang talong.

    Store

    To store, let it cool down to room temperature. To prevent condensation from forming inside the container and maintain the quality of the dish. Transfer to an airtight containers and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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    Did you make this recipe today? I’d love to hear on the comment section below. Or Follow and tag me on Facebook and Instagram.

    Recipe

    pork bicol express in a pan with red chilli

    Pork Bicol Express Recipe

    Kristel Mae Baclaan
    Bicol Express is a spicy dish which hails from the Bicol region of the Philippines. It's made with tender pork and coconut milk to create a hearty and delicious meal.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine filipino
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 878.9 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 500 grams pork belly cut into strips
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 4 pieces long green chillies sliced and more if preferred
    • 2 pieces bird's eye chillies
    • 1½ tablespoon shrimp paste uncooked bagoong
    • 1½ cup coconut milk canned coconut milk
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • In medium heat pan, add oil, sauté onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Add pork and cook until no longer pink and golden brown.
    • Pour in the coconut milk, add shrimp paste and chillies. Bring it to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the pork cook for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    • Season with salt and pepper of needed.

    Notes

    • Pork: I highly recommend to use pork belly or shoulder. These cuts of meat are tender and will absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
    • Coconut Milk: full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier flavor. Avoid using coconut cream as it has a thick consistency.
    • Chili Peppers: I am using Thai chili peppers or siling labuyo for this dish. Adjust according to your desired spice level.
    • Shrimp Paste: is a key ingredient for this recipe. This recipes uses plain/uncooked shrimp paste. You can find them in Asian/Filipino store.
    • Onion: white, yellow or red onions works fine.
    • Garlic: about 4 cloves of garlic.
    Keyword bicol express, pork bicol express, pork bicol express recipe

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    Hi, I'm Kristel Mae! Throughout the years I have always had an enthusiasm for cooking, learning constantly from my family, especially my Parents. I started this blog in 2021 to share the things I have learned, with a focus on Asian & Filipino dishes.  

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