Pork Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish that originated from the Bicol region of the Philippines. It is a spicy and flavorful dish made with pork, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. This dish is known for its rich and creamy sauce with a hint of spiciness, which makes it a favorite among spicy food lovers.

To cook Pork Bicol Express, you will need a few key ingredients, such as pork belly or shoulder, coconut milk, shrimp paste, chili peppers, garlic, onion, and ginger. The pork is first sautéed with the garlic, onion, and ginger until it becomes tender. Then, the shrimp paste and chili peppers are added to give the dish its distinct flavor and spiciness.

The next step is to add the coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors are well blended. The coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish, balancing out the spiciness of the chili peppers. It is important to simmer the dish over low heat to ensure that the pork absorbs all the flavors and become tender.

Once the pork is cooked and the sauce has thickened, the Pork Bicol Express is ready to be served. It is best enjoyed with hot steamed rice, which complements the spiciness of the dish. This dish can be served as a main course or as a part of a larger meal, and it is often enjoyed with a side of vegetables or a salad.

So, if you’re up for a flavorful and spicy dish, try cooking Pork Bicol Express. Its combination of tender pork, creamy coconut milk, and spicy chili peppers will surely satisfy your taste buds and give you a taste of Filipino cuisine.

What is Pork Bicol Express?

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Pork Bicol Express is a traditional Filipino dish that originated from the Bicol region in the Philippines. It is a spicy and flavorful dish made with pork and a variety of chili peppers. The dish gets its name from the train that travels through the Bicol region, known for its long travel time and spicy cuisine.

The main ingredients of Pork Bicol Express include pork belly or shoulder, coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, onions, ginger, and a combination of red and green chili peppers. The dish is typically cooked low and slow to allow the flavors to develop and the pork to become tender.

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Pork Bicol Express is known for its rich and creamy sauce with a spicy kick. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice to balance out the heat from the chili peppers.

This dish is popular in the Philippines and is often served during special occasions or gatherings. It is a delicious and satisfying dish for spicy food lovers.

Ingredients needed for Pork Bicol Express

  • 500 grams of pork, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 2 green chili peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons of shrimp paste
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar

Optional:

  • 2 tablespoons of dried shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons of bagoong alamang (shrimp paste)

Note: Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preferred level of spiciness.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Cook Pork Bicol Express

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of pork belly, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 pieces of red chili peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of shrimp paste (bagoong)
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of pork broth
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Saute the garlic and onion until they become translucent.
  3. Add the pork belly and cook until it turns brown.
  4. Stir in the shrimp paste and continue cooking for another minute.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and pork broth. Bring it to a boil.
  6. Add the red chili peppers and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pork is tender.
  8. Once the pork is cooked, adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
  9. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!

Tips for Making Delicious Pork Bicol Express

Are you looking to make a scrumptious pork Bicol Express? Read on to discover some helpful tips that will elevate your dish to the next level!

1. Choose the Right Meat

Choosing the right cut of pork is essential for a delicious Bicol Express. Opt for pork shoulder or belly, as they have the perfect balance of fat and meat. This will ensure a tender and flavorful dish.

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2. Properly Marinate the Meat

Marinating the pork in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and spices is key to infusing it with flavor. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. This will result in a more flavorful and tender pork.

3. Adjust the Spice Level

Bicol Express is known for its spicy kick. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. Adding more or fewer chili peppers will determine how hot the dish will be. Remember to deseed the peppers if you want a milder heat.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

Sautéing the aromatics, such as onions, garlic, and ginger, before adding the pork, will intensify their flavors. Cook them until they become fragrant and golden brown. This step will enhance the overall taste of your Bicol Express.

5. Simmer Slowly

Simmering the pork in coconut milk is a crucial step in making Bicol Express. Cook the dish on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender. Be patient and give it enough time to develop its mouthwatering taste.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and authentic pork Bicol Express that will impress your family and friends!

Variations of Pork Bicol Express

While the traditional Pork Bicol Express recipe is already delicious as it is, there are also variations that you can try to add some twist to the dish. Here are a few variations you might want to consider:

Seafood Bicol Express

If you’re a seafood lover, you can substitute the pork with your choice of seafood like shrimp, squid, or fish. The combination of the spicy coconut milk sauce with the seafood brings a whole new level of flavour to the dish.

Vegetarian Bicol Express

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the pork with tofu or seitan. The tofu or seitan can absorb the flavors of the sauce, giving you a delicious and satisfying meal.

Spicier Version

If you enjoy extra heat, feel free to add more chili peppers or use hotter varieties like bird’s eye chili or habanero peppers. This will give your Pork Bicol Express a fiery kick that will make your taste buds tingle.

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Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors can help you create your own unique twist on the classic Pork Bicol Express recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

Serving and Enjoying Pork Bicol Express

After cooking the Pork Bicol Express, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some tips on how to serve and savor this mouthwatering pork dish:

1. Plate Presentation: Transfer the cooked Pork Bicol Express onto a serving plate. Arrange it nicely, ensuring that the pork pieces and vegetables are evenly distributed. This will make the dish visually appealing and appetizing.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped spring onions or cilantro on top of the Pork Bicol Express. This adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish. It also enhances the flavors and aroma.

3. Side Dish: Serve the Pork Bicol Express with steamed rice or garlic rice. The rich and creamy sauce of the dish pairs well with the plainness of the rice. It creates a perfect balance of flavors.

4. Enjoy: Take a forkful of the tender pork, vegetables, and sauce. Experience the explosion of flavors in your mouth. The spiciness of the dish, combined with the creaminess of coconut milk and the taste of shrimp paste, will surely satisfy your appetite.

Now that you know how to serve and enjoy Pork Bicol Express, gather your family or friends, and savor this delicious Filipino dish together!

FAQ

What is pork bicol express?

Pork bicol express is a traditional Filipino dish made with pork, coconut milk, and spicy peppers. It is named after the train that runs from Manila to Bicol, a region in the Philippines known for its spicy cuisine.

Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can use other types of meat like chicken or beef instead of pork to make bicol express. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since different meats require different cooking times to become tender.

Is bicol express a spicy dish?

Yes, bicol express is known for its spiciness. The dish gets its heat from the chili peppers used in the recipe. However, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference for spiciness.