Bicol Express

Ingredients

• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fish sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Red chili peppers (2, sliced)
• Green chili peppers (2, sliced)
• Ginger (1 inch, minced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Shrimp paste (1 tablespoon)
• Coconut milk (1 can (13.5 oz))
• Pork belly (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the pork belly pieces to the pan, cooking until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the shrimp paste, sliced green chili peppers, and sliced red chili peppers. Combine well to ensure the flavors meld.
6. Season the dish with fish sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference for saltiness and spice.
7. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
8. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with additional slices of chili if desired.