Authentic Filipino Bicol Express Recipe

Bicol Express

Ingredients:

• 500 grams pork belly, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 10-15 Thai chili peppers (or according to taste), sliced
• 1 cup long green peppers, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Render the Pork:
• Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. 
• Add the pork belly strips and cook until they start to render their fat and begin to brown. This takes about 10 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
• Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan with the pork. 
• Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is aromatic.
3. Add Shrimp Paste:
• Stir in the shrimp paste with the pork and aromatics, mixing well. 
• Cook for a few minutes until it is fully integrated and fragrant.
4. Pour in Coconut Milk:
• Add the coconut milk to the pan. 
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and continue to cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the coconut milk reduces and thickens slightly, about 20 minutes.
5. Add the Peppers:
• Incorporate the Thai chili peppers and long green peppers into the dish. 
• Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further.
6. Season:
• Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. 
• Adjust the seasoning depending on the saltiness of the shrimp paste and your taste preference.
7. Final Simmer:
• Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to ensure all the flavors are well combined and the pork is tender.
8. Serve:
• Serve hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice to balance the dish's richness and heat.

Bicol Express is a celebrated dish for those who love spicy foods, combining the creaminess of coconut milk with the heat of chili peppers for a truly tantalizing meal. Enjoy the process and the delightful flavors of this Filipino favorite!