Teresa's Recipes
Bicol Express
Bicol Express is a vibrant and flavorful Filipino dish that captures the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. Hailing from the Bicol region, known for its lush landscapes and rich culinary heritage, this dish features tender pork belly simmered in creamy coconut milk, infused with aromatic spices and a spicy kick from fresh chili peppers. The harmonious blend of flavors creates a comforting meal that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Traditionally served over steaming white rice, Bicol Express is not just a dish, but an experience that celebrates the bold and diverse flavors of the Philippines.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 2, sliced Red chili peppers
- 2, sliced Green chili peppers
- 1 inch, minced Ginger
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 1 tablespoon Shrimp paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk
- 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces Pork belly
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the pork belly pieces to the pan, cooking until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the shrimp paste, sliced green chili peppers, and sliced red chili peppers. Combine well to ensure the flavors meld.
- Season the dish with fish sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference for saltiness and spice.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with additional slices of chili if desired.
Tips
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before slicing.
- You can substitute pork belly with chicken thighs or tofu for a lighter option.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.