Spicy Bicol Express with Creamy Coconut Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this Spicy Bicol Express, a delightful dish hailing from the Bicol region. This recipe features succulent pork belly, simmered to perfection in a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. The dish is enhanced with savory shrimp paste and a kick of heat from Thai chiles or serrano peppers, creating a tantalizing balance of flavors. Perfect for spice lovers and those looking to explore Filipino cuisine, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrancy and heartiness. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that brings the taste of the islands right to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
coconut milk
3 cups (canned or fresh)
pork belly
2 lbs (cut into strips)
shrimp paste
1/2 cup (store-bought)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Thai chiles or serrano peppers
6 pieces (whole or cut, to taste)
ginger
3 tablespoons (minced)
onion
1 medium (minced)
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced garlic, onion, and ginger, sautéing until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3
Add the strips of pork belly to the pan, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the pork is lightly browned on all sides.
4
Stir in the shrimp paste and your choice of Thai chiles or serrano peppers, mixing well to combine the flavors.
5
Carefully pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the dish simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7
Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary.
8
Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy your Spicy Bicol Express!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Bicol Express?
Spicy Bicol Express is a bold Filipino dish from the Bicol region featuring pork belly simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce with a kick of heat from chiles.
What kind of meat is used in this Bicol Express recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of succulent pork belly cut into strips.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from 3 cups of canned or fresh coconut milk.
What gives Bicol Express its unique savory flavor?
The savory depth is provided by 1/2 cup of store-bought shrimp paste.
How many chiles should I use for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 6 pieces of Thai chiles or serrano peppers, though you can adjust this to your spice preference.
What aromatics are needed for the base?
The aromatic base consists of 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of minced ginger, and 1 medium minced onion.
How long does it take to simmer the pork?
The dish should simmer uncovered for approximately 40 minutes until the pork is tender.
How should I prepare the pork belly?
The pork belly should be cut into strips before cooking.
What is the first step in cooking Spicy Bicol Express?
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
How long do I sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger?
Sauté them until they are fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
How long should I brown the pork belly?
Cook the pork for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is lightly browned on all sides.
When do I add the shrimp paste and chiles?
Add the shrimp paste and chiles after browning the pork, stirring well to combine the flavors.
Do I need to cover the pan while simmering?
No, the recipe specifies simmering uncovered to help the sauce thicken.
What is the best way to serve Bicol Express?
It is best served hot over steamed white rice.
Can I use serrano peppers instead of Thai chiles?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists serrano peppers as a suitable alternative to Thai chiles.
How much ginger is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced ginger.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
You can use 2 tablespoons of standard cooking oil.
How do I season the final dish?
Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste once the sauce has thickened.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue simmering uncovered until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for spice lovers?
Yes, with 6 chiles and the vibrant flavors of the Bicol region, it is designed for those who enjoy heat.
What kind of shrimp paste should I buy?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of store-bought shrimp paste.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Can I use fresh coconut milk?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned coconut milk.
What is the origin of Bicol Express?
Bicol Express originates from the Bicol region of the Philippines, known for its spicy and coconut-rich cuisine.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is tender after about 40 minutes of simmering.
What size onion should I use?
One medium onion, minced, is sufficient for this recipe.
Do I add the coconut milk before or after the shrimp paste?
The coconut milk is poured in after the shrimp paste and chiles have been mixed with the pork.
Should I boil the coconut milk?
Yes, bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
Can I adjust the amount of shrimp paste?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup, you can adjust the seasoning at the end with salt and pepper.
Is ginger a traditional ingredient in Bicol Express?
Yes, ginger is a key aromatic that helps balance the richness of the coconut milk and pork fat.