Bicol Express

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 13

Spicy and delicious Bicol Express recipe

by The Chefin Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1/2 kg elongated green chili , julienned ( you can use a slightly milder substitute , try the serrano or jabanero )
	200 g shrimp paste ( The Thai version is not a substitute as it is very pungent and totally overpowering . Filipino shrimp )
	4 garlic cloves , minced
	1 whole onion , chopped
	1/2 kg pork , cut into tiny pieces
	1/2 kg plum tomato , chopped
	4 tablespoons vegetable oil
	1 cup thick coconut milk ( the light version can be pretty bland )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

4-6

Calories

507

Sugar

Fat

43g

Bicol Express is a popular dish from the Bicol region in the Philippines. It is a spicy and flavorful stew made with pork, shrimp paste, coconut milk, and julienned chili peppers. The dish gets its name from the Bicol Express train that used to run from Manila to Bicol, with the spicy stew being a popular snack for passengers. Today, Bicol Express is enjoyed all over the Philippines and has become a staple in Filipino cuisine. It is often served with steamed rice and can be a comforting and satisfying meal on a cold day.

Instructions

1.	In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2.	Add the garlic and onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
3.	Add the pork and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides.
4.	Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes or until they have softened and released some of their juices.
5.	Add the shrimp paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6.	Add the julienned chili peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until they have softened and become slightly translucent.
7.	Pour in the thick coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
8.	Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.

PROS

Bicol Express is a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for those who love bold flavors.

It is easy to make and does not require many ingredients.

CONS

This dish can be too spicy for some people, especially if you use the elongated green chili peppers.

It is also high in fat and calories due to the use of pork and coconut milk.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being high in fat and calories, Bicol Express does have some health benefits.
The chili peppers used in the recipe contain capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
The dish also contains vitamin C from the tomatoes and can be a good source of protein from the pork.