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Bicol Express
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How to Cook Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a creamy and spicy Filipino stew made with tender pork, coconut milk, chilies, and shrimp paste, offering a perfect balance of heat and richness.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Pork Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bicol express, spicy coconut milk
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 307kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1/4 kilo green long chili siling pang-sigang
  • 1/2 cup pork sliced in strips
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 pc medium onion chopped
  • 2 cups thick coconut milk
  • 2 tsp. bagoong or shrimp paste

Instructions

How to Cook Bicol Express:

  • Remove stems from the green chilies and cut lengthwise to remove seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch pieces.
  • In a casserole combine the pork, garlic, onion and coconut milk.
  • Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until pork is tender.
  • Add the sliced chilies and continue cooking until chilies are soft and sauce is thickened.
  • Add shrimp paste to taste.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Control the Heat by Adjusting the Chilies

To customize the spice level of your dish, remove the seeds and inner membranes of the chilies before slicing. This reduces the intensity of the heat while keeping the distinct flavor of the peppers. If you love extra spice, leave some seeds in or add more chilies, but be mindful that too much heat can overpower the creamy coconut base.

Simmer the Pork Low and Slow

Cooking the pork gently over low heat allows it to become tender while soaking up the rich flavors of coconut milk, garlic, and onions. Rushing this process can leave the meat tough and the sauce underdeveloped. Letting it simmer also thickens the sauce naturally, creating the perfect consistency for every bite.

Add Shrimp Paste Gradually

Shrimp paste is essential for the distinct umami taste of this iconic dish, but its strong flavor requires careful balancing. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust as needed to avoid overwhelming the dish. Mixing it in gradually ensures you get the savory depth without overpowering the creamy and spicy flavors.