Spicy Bicol Express Recipe: A Flavorful Filipino Delight

The Homemaker’s Cookbook Recipe No. 57. “Spicy Bicol Express Recipe: A Flavorful Filipino Delight”

Bicol Express is a beloved Filipino dish that combines succulent pork, creamy coconut milk, and fiery chilies for a delightful culinary adventure. This spicy and creamy dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. In just a few steps, you can recreate the flavors of the Philippines in your own kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
• 4-6 red chili peppers (siling labuyo), chopped (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic.

2. Add Shrimp Paste: Stir in the shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes until well combined with the aromatics.

3. Add Pork: Add the sliced pork to the pan and cook until it turns light brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

4. Spice it Up: Add the chopped red chili peppers (siling labuyo) according to your preferred level of spiciness. Stir well to distribute the heat evenly.

5. Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook gently for the first 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Coconut Cream: After 10 minutes, uncover the pan and pour in the coconut cream. Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the pork becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to ensure everything blends well.

7. Season to Perfection: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness if necessary by adding more red chili peppers or chili paste.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Bicol Express is best served hot over steamed rice. Garnish with extra red chili peppers if you like it even spicier.

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of the Philippines with this Bicol Express recipe. With tender pork, creamy coconut milk, and a kick of chilies, it’s a delightful culinary journey for your taste buds. In just 45 minutes, you can savor this Filipino favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Spice up your dinner table with Bicol Express tonight!