Creamy Bicol Express

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Bicol Express is a delightful Filipino dish that brings together the rich flavors of pork and coconut milk, spiced up with vibrant chili peppers. It’s a wonderful choice for those who enjoy a creamy and slightly spicy meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to spice up your everyday cooking. The combination of ingredients creates a comforting and hearty meal that will surely please everyone at the table.

How to Make Creamy Bicol Express

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork belly, sliced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3-4 pieces Thai chili peppers, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. In a pan, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the shrimp paste and fish sauce.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the chopped chili peppers and cook until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

How to Serve Creamy Bicol Express

Serve Creamy Bicol Express with steamed rice. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with plain rice, making each bite enjoyable. You can also garnish the dish with extra green onions for a fresh touch. For those who love spice, serve some extra chili on the side.

How to Store Creamy Bicol Express

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Bicol Express

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the pork and coconut milk.
• Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your spice preference.
• For a little more freshness, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or eggplants to the mix.

Variation

You can make a seafood version of Bicol Express by replacing the pork belly with shrimp or fish. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted so the seafood doesn’t overcook. Another variation is using a mix of meats, like adding chicken for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Bicol Express without shrimp paste?
Yes, you can skip the shrimp paste or replace it with a little soy sauce or miso for a different taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Use tofu or tempeh instead of pork and replace fish sauce with soy sauce to make it vegetarian.

How spicy is Creamy Bicol Express?
The spiciness depends on how many chili peppers you add. You can start with fewer and taste as you go to find the right level for you.

Creamy Bicol Express

Creamy Bicol Express is a delightful Filipino dish combining rich flavors of pork and coconut milk, enhanced with spicy chili peppers, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Filipino

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb pork belly, sliced Use fresh pork for the best flavor.
• 1 cup coconut milk Choose high-quality coconut milk for richness.
• 3-4 pieces Thai chili peppers, chopped Adjust based on spice preference.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong) Can be replaced with soy sauce for a different taste.
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce Can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Green onions for garnish Use for fresh garnish.

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a pan, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the shrimp paste and fish sauce.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the chopped chili peppers and cook until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice for a delicious meal. For spice lovers, serve extra chili on the side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.