Bicol Express Recipe

Bicol Express is a creamy stew that combines spice and sweetness in a well-balanced manner. The dish makes use of ginger and local seasonings resulting in a flavorful combination of meat and sauce.

 

Coconut milk adds a mild sweetness to the sharp flavors of chili pepper and bagoong in this Bicol Express recipe. This contrast has created a richness in taste for the dish, contributing to its popularity among Filipino dishes.

What is Bicol Express?

Bicol Express is a traditional Filipino dish. It is composed of pork that has been simmered in coconut milk. The dish has a creamy, savory, and spicy flavor profile.

It is an excellent dish for dinner parties or any other gathering where you would like to share a meal with friends and family.

History

Surprisingly, the origin of Bicol Express is credited to Manila, not Bicol. Despite claims from Bicol residents, it is widely accepted that the dish was created in Cely Kalaw’s restaurant in Manila, according to prominent figures in Philippine cooking.

In the 1960s, Kalaw decided to present a creamy dish with the slightest punch. After some struggle in entitling the dish, her ears caught the sound of the daily train headed to Bicol. And that was when she got the idea to name it after a train going the Manila-Naga route

This recipe aims to be a milder version of Laing, a local dish made from dried taro leaves with rich coconut milk.

Bicol Express quickly grew in popularity. And soon, the dish began popping up in several other dining establishments in the country. But what most people didn’t know by then was that the dish did not exactly originate from the region in its own name.

A similar dish to Bicol Express from the region

Many Bicolanos assert that a recipe similar to Bicol Express originated in their region. Ginataang Sili, also known as Gulay na Lada, includes balao, a variant of shrimp paste, along with other comparable ingredients such as pork and coconut milk. It has been suggested that Kalaw may have drawn inspiration from Gulay na Lada, particularly to moderate the spiciness of her Laing recipe.

Some argue that Kalaw acknowledged drawing inspiration from Bicolano dishes but insist the name and recipe were her own kitchen experiments.

Ingredients for Bicol Express

Pork belly – This cut is used in the recipe due to its fat content, which helps keep the meat moist. Other cuts of pork, such as kasim or pork shoulder, can also be used as alternatives. Pork chops are suitable for Bicol express as well, demonstrated by my pork chop bicol express.

Coconut milk – This essential ingredient can be fresh, canned, or powdered based on availability.

Coconut cream – This ingredient is incorporated towards the final stages of the cooking process to enhance the sauce’s depth and richness.

Shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) – The main flavor source. Fresh or cooked bagoong can be used. Balao, a Filipino fermented shrimp condiment made by mixing small shrimp with salt and rice, then fermenting, is also an option.

Garlic – Crushed, chopped, or minced. This helps build the basic flavor of the dish.

Thai chili pepper – A hot chili pepper, 10 times spicier than Jalapeno. Siling Labuyo or bird’s eye chili pepper works well for this recipe too.

Ginger – Crushed or minced, this contributes to the foundational flavors of the dish.

Onions – Enhance the depth of flavor in Bicol Express. Any variety is suitable.

Serrano pepper – long green peppers are great. Siling pansigang works well too.

Maggi Magic Sarap – This enhances the inherent flavors of the ingredients in the recipe while introducing umami to the dish.

How to cook Bicol Express (Summary)

1. Combine the ingredients together – Get ready to make the creamiest pork dish with a bit of a kick! Start by taking out your pan. Proceed by combining minced ginger, crushed garlic, chopped onion, sliced pork, chopped chili pepper, and coconut milk. Mix everything together before turning-on the heat.
2. Simmer until the pork tenderizes – Turn on the heat and let it boil. Once the mixture boils, simmer it for around 50 minutes. You may add a cup of coconut cream and half of the bagoong alamang after this. Let the mixture cook using low heat until it reduces to a quarter.
3. Add coconut cream and chili peppers – Afterwards, we will add the rest of the coconut cream and adjust the flavor by adding more bagoong if necessary. Also add the Serrano peppers or long green pepper.  Continue cooking in low heat until the sauce thickens.  
4. Serve! – Make sure to serve this nice and hot, and you now have enough Bicol Express for 6! Also try serving it the traditional manner– with some steaming, white rice.

How to Make Bicol Express (Step by Step Photos)

1.Combine the pork belly with ginger, garlic, onion, peppers, shrimp paste, chili peppers, and coconut milk.

2. Stir the ingredients until well distributed.

3. Cover the wok and let the coconut milk boil.

4. Simmer for 50 to 60 minutes.

4.1 Add water as needed.

5. Add the coconut cream.

6. Season with Maggi Magic Sarap

7. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens

8. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with rice.

What to Have with Bicol Express

Rice is the best side dish for such a creamy and savory dish. However, I also enjoy having it with the following dishes:

Grilled pork belly – I enjoy it with grilled meat. The rich, creamy sauce pairs well with pork belly.

Sinigang – During cold or rainy weather, sipping sinigang along with Bicol express can be a good combination.

Chop suey – A balance of protein ang vegetables is essential for a meal.

Is Bicol Express Nutritious?

This dish’s distinct bite and heat make it ideal for colder seasons, but people enjoy it year-round due to its high protein content and satisfying nature.

Pork is an excellent source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. A 3-ounce serving also provides zinc and potassium.

This dish not only offers meat but also coconut milk, which contains healthy micronutrients. These can reduce stomach ulcers and inflammation while providing protein and carbs for energy.

What does Bicol express taste like?

Bicol Express is a flavorful dish with a bold taste. The rich creaminess of coconut milk provides a smooth, slightly sweet balance to the dish’s heat. Tender pork pieces are coated in this creamy base, creating an indulgent feel. The fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) adds a deep umami flavor, giving the stew its savory depth.

The spice is bold due to chilies like Thai chili pepper and siling pansigang. The heat builds gradually, enhancing rather than overwhelming. Bicol Express combines spicy, creamy, salty, and savory flavors, making it complex and addictive. Paired with steamed white rice, it’s a dish that keeps you coming back for more.

Suggested Recipes

• Korean Fried Chicken
• Caldereta
• Chili Oil

Did you enjoy the Bicol Express train ride and exploring this classic Filipino dish? Share your thoughts on this recipe and our other variations in the comments!

Watch How to Cook Bicol Express