Pork Bicol Express Recipe

Pork Bicol Express is a spicy pork stew simmering in coconut cream, one of Filipinos' most popular dishes. It is rich, creamy, and aromatic—a super easy-to-make dish at home to serve with a bowl of rice on the side.

This Pork Bicol Express Recipe is one of Filipino's favorite spicy dishes. Make this dish for your family and friends to devour and enjoy for lunch and dinner. I always cook this whenever I crave an aromatic, spicy, creamy coconut, rich sauce pork dish, and it is wholesome comfort food.

Some people call this ginataang pork because it simmers in coconut milk which gives its creamy flavor profile. This dish is similar to Pork Binagoongan, Ginataang Gulay, Gising-gising, and Squid Adobo with Coconut Milk.

Ingredients and substitution

Pork Bicol Express is one of our favorite dishes because you do not need to gather too many ingredients.

• Pork Belly (or Pork Shoulder) - Pork belly or pork shoulder is what we usually prefer for its tender and marbling texture and ability to absorb the rich flavors of the dish.
• Coconut Milk - Full-fat coconut milk is what makes this dish rich and creamy and balances out the spiciness. You can't skip this ingredient however, you can use even creamier coconut cream.
• Garlic, onion, and ginger - For aroma and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Seranno Pepper and Red Chili peppers - Chili or "sili" in Tagalog. These long, green, and red chilies are what give Bicol Express its signature heat. Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice tolerance.
• Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bagoong) - This fermented condiment adds depth and umami to the dish. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences. You can substitute this with fish sauce.

How to cook pork bicol express

This recipe is very easy to follow with simple steps.

Step 1. Using a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and saute ginger, garlic, and onion until you can smell the aroma. It will take about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Add pork and cook until it turns a light brown color and is tender. It would be best to cut pork in dice of the exact sizes to cook evenly.

Step 2. Add your shrimp paste, stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3. Pour coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4. Add your serrano pepper and red chili pepper and continue to simmer until the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Turn off the heat. Serve with rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage - Cool down completely and transfer the Pork Bicol Express to a glass air-tight container.
  • Refrigerator - Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You will notice, that the sauce becomes thicker and the meat absorbs the liquid which makes it taste better.
  • Freezer - You can also freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator a night ahead. You can also leave it for a few hours on the countertop until it reaches room temperature, the time may vary depending on the temperature in the kitchen
• Reheating - To reheat the dish, transfer it into a skillet sprinkle some water if it dried out, and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until it warms through. You can also use the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Why I Think You Should Love This

• This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors. the combination of coconut milk, shrimp, green and red chilies, and other aromatic ingredients creates a unique taste that is both savory and spicy. If you enjoy adventurous and intense flavor experiences, Bicol express is a must-try.
• Super easy to make in one pot. You can make this recipe in just one pot without boiling the meat or cooking it in a different skillet.
• Great source of healthy fats and protein. Coconut cream and coconut milk are the secrets to a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce which is a source of healthy fats as well.
• Rich, creamy, flavorful with a spicy taste. Cooking this dish allows you to delve into the culinary richness of the Philippines, particularly the Bicol region. Exploring regional dishes is a fantastic way to appreciate the diverse cultural tapestry of a country through its food.

Question and answer

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