Beef Bicol Express

Beef Bicol Express is a treat for those who enjoy bold and rich tastes. This dish combines tender beef, creamy coconut milk, spicy peppers, and savory shrimp paste, offering an unforgettable meal. Just like our traditional bicol express, this is an ideal comfort food that will add excitement to your weekly dinners.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from what makes beef Bicol Express special to tips for nailing the recipe and pairing it perfectly. Let’s dive in.

What is Beef Bicol Express?

Bicol Express is a beloved Filipino dish originally made with pork, coconut milk, chili peppers, and fermented shrimp paste (bagoong). It hails from the Bicol region of the Philippines, known for its spicy and coconut-based cuisine.

The beef version of Bicol Express offers a richer and meatier variation while maintaining all the signature flavors—spicy heat from Serrano peppers, creamy smoothness from coconut milk, and the savory depth of shrimp paste. Using beef chuck allows for a tender, juicy bite that beautifully absorbs the spicy, aromatic sauce.

Beef Bicol Express takes longer to cook than the pork version because beef is tougher. It should be simmered slowly over low heat, so it becomes tender and absorbs the spices and flavors. Pork cooks faster and softens quickly. So, when making Beef Bicol Express, expect to simmer it longer, depending on the cut and quality.

How to Cook Beef Bicol Express

1. Sauté the Aromatics – Start by warming 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add 4 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 1 finely chopped yellow onion into the heated oil. Keep stirring and cook until the onion becomes soft, making sure the ingredients blend together to create a fragrant and savory base.
2. Add the shrimp paste – Stir in 1/3 cup of shrimp paste to boost the salty umami flavor, which goes perfectly with the coconut milk. Shrimp paste is a fermented condiment that adds depth and richness to many Southeast Asian dishes. Its pungent aroma might be strong initially, but when cooked, it mellows out and complements other ingredients beautifully. By incorporating shrimp paste into your recipe, you not only elevate the taste but also bring an authentic touch that ties all the flavors together harmoniously.
3. Brown the beef – Stir-in 2 lbs. of diced beef chuck medium-high heat and sauté it for 3 minutes. Stir the beef occasionally to ensure it browns evenly and retains its juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, brown the beef in batches to get a good sear. This process will enhance the flavor and texture of the beef, creating a delicious base for your dish.
4. Add the coconut milk and cook until tender – Pour 2 cups of coconut milk into the mixture and stir well. You can also add some of the 4 sliced serrano peppers at this stage to start infusing heat. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, adding water as necessary to keep the beef tender.
5. Season it – Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, stir, and cook for 3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve! – Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy this creamy, spicy Beef Bicol Express with steamed rice.

What to Have with Beef Bicol Express

Beef Bicol Express is rich and flavorful on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings to round out the meal:

• Steamed white rice – The traditional and best pairing. The rice soaks up the rich coconut sauce and balances the dish’s intensity.
• Garlic fried rice – For a more indulgent experience, pair it with sinangag (Filipino garlic rice).
• Pickled vegetables (atchara) – The sweet-sour tang of pickled papaya helps cut through the richness.
• Grilled vegetables or eggplant salad (ensaladang talong) – Adds a smoky, refreshing contrast.
• Cold drinks – A glass of calamansi juice or iced tea can help cool your palate.

Beef Bicol Express is a fantastic way to experience the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine. It’s hearty, spicy, creamy, and full of soul-satisfying umami that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking to impress guests with something unique, this dish delivers both comfort and excitement.

So go ahead—gather your ingredients, take your time simmering that beef, and enjoy a meal that’s as rich in culture as it is in flavor.

Have you ever tried Bicol Express with beef instead of pork? What’s your favorite twist on this classic dish?

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

5 from 1 vote

Beef Bicol Express

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour

Total: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 lbs. beef chuck cubed
• ▢ 2 cups coconut milk
• ▢ 1/3 cup shrimp paste bagoong alamang
• ▢ 4 to 6 pieces Serrano pepper sliced diagonally
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic crushed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion sliced
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

• Heat the cooking oil in a pan.
• Sauté the garlic, ginger and onion
• Once the onion becomes soft, add the shrimp paste. Stir.
• Put-in the beef. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until medium brown.
• Pour-in the coconut milk. Stir. You can also add some of the pepper, if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 40 minutes or until the beef is tender. Add water as needed.
• Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Stir. Cook for 3 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving plate. Serve. Share and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 6g

© copyright: Vanjo Merano

Watch the cooking video