Bicol Express

Spicy pork with shrimp paste and chilies cooked in rich and creamy coconut milk.

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Fiiipino

Keyword: bicol, pork recipe, spicy pork

Servings: people

Calories: 379kcal

Author: Vanjo Merano

Heat oil in a pan.
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Saute onion and garlic. Add pork once the onion softens. Cook until light brown.
1 piece onion, 5 cloves garlic, 1 ½ pork
Pour water and coconut milk. Let boil. Cover and cook between low to medium heat for 40 minutes. Add more water if needed.
1 cup water, 2 cups coconut milk
Stir-in the shrimp paste and chili peppers. Continue to cook covered for 8 minutes.
¼ cup shrimp paste
Season with ground black pepper. Continue to cook until sauce reaches desired consistency.
Ground black pepper to taste
Serve with warm rice.

Spice level - This recipe is definitely not for the weak when it comes to heat. Beware of the kick that this stew will come with, but also feel free to lessen the peppers in the recipe if you don't like your food too spicy.

Sweetness level - There will be hints of sweetness thanks to our coconut milk! This works really great with the saltiness of the shrimp paste and the spiciness of our Thai chili peppers and long green peppers.

Coconut milk - Bicol Express is definitely known for its coconut-y taste. But if you really can't find this in the market, you can try recreating the recipe with other kinds of milk, such as soy milk. Blending some shredded coconut may also be a good alternative. But the best substitute would be coconut cream!

Pork - Want a healthier alternative? This actually works with white meat too, so you can try creating Bicol Express with chicken. For vegetarians, a great substitute would be tofu!