Bicol Express

Bicol Express Recipe - Spicy Filipino Pork Dish with Coconut Cream

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish known for its creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. This dish is a perfect blend of pork, coconut cream, and chili peppers, making it a favorite among those who love a good kick of spice in their meals. The recipe we're sharing today captures the essence of traditional Bicol Express while providing a straightforward approach to cooking this beloved dish.

History

Bicol Express was originally from the Bicol region of the Philippines, known for its use of coconut milk and spicy chili in its cuisine. The dish is said to have been named after the passenger train service that runs between Manila and the Bicol region, symbolizing the dish's fiery heat. Over the years, Bicol Express has gained popularity across the country and has seen various adaptations in different Filipino communities.

Ingredients

1 kg of lean pork
30 ml of corn oil
22 g of crushed garlic
40 g of sliced onion
15 g of sliced ginger
10 g of refined sugar
1 g of ground black pepper
70 g of shrimp paste
250 g of water
250 g of coconut cream
120 g of fresh sliced green pepper

How to prepare

Cut the meat into strips.
Heat oil in a wok over medium heat and fry the garlic until brown.
Add the shrimp paste and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the pork slices and stir-fry until the meat changes color.
Stir in the spices and seasonings.
Continue stir-frying for 1 minute.
Add the water.
Cover and simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.
Remove the cover and continue cooking until the meat is tender and the sauce is almost dry, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Add the coconut cream and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Add the sliced pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.

Variations

For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of green peppers or remove the seeds.
Vegetarians can substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms.
Add eggplant or long beans for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture for your Bicol Express, here are some tips and tricks:

- Use lean pork for a healthier option, but make sure it has a bit of fat for flavor.

- Fry the garlic until golden brown to release its aroma and sweetness.

- Sautéing the shrimp paste before adding the pork helps to intensify the flavor.

- Simmering the pork in water before adding coconut cream ensures that the meat is tender.

- Add the green peppers last to retain their crisp texture and vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Bicol Express is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice. The creamy and spicy sauce of the dish pairs wonderfully with the simplicity of the rice, making each bite a delightful experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in cooking Bicol Express involve sautéing, simmering, and the proper timing of adding ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier fat option, light coconut milk can be used instead of coconut cream.

- Fish sauce can be used as a substitute for shrimp paste for a different umami flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Bicol Express can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Bicol Express in a shallow bowl to showcase its creamy sauce. Garnish with sliced chili peppers or a sprig of cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bicol Express with a refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy green mango salad to balance its richness and heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Bicol Express in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Bicol Express contains approximately 350 calories. The calories mainly come from the fats and proteins in the dish, making it energy-dense and filling.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Bicol Express contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the vegetables and the small amount of sugar added for balance. This makes Bicol Express a relatively low-carb dish, suitable for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

Bicol Express is rich in fats, primarily due to the coconut cream and the natural fat from the pork. A serving can contain up to 25 grams of fat. However, coconut cream contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are healthier fat options.

Proteins

This dish is an excellent source of protein, with a serving providing about 22 grams of protein. The lean pork used in the recipe contributes to the high protein content, making Bicol Express a satisfying and muscle-building meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Bicol Express provides various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the green peppers, B-vitamins from the pork, and iron. The dish also contains calcium and magnesium from the coconut cream, contributing to bone health and muscle function.

Alergens

The primary allergens in Bicol Express are shrimp paste (seafood) and coconut (tree nuts). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Bicol Express is a flavorful dish that provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. While it is relatively high in fats, the use of coconut cream offers healthier fat options. It's a satisfying meal that also packs a punch in terms of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Bicol Express is a testament to the rich and vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine. This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also provides a nutritious option that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Filipino dishes, Bicol Express is sure to be a satisfying and memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Bicol Express. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in the Philippines. Maria was known for her amazing cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her signature dishes.

As we walked through the bustling marketplace, Maria pointed out all the fresh ingredients we would need for the dish. Bright green chilies, tender pork belly, creamy coconut milk- my mouth watered just thinking about it. Maria explained that Bicol Express was a traditional Filipino dish from the Bicol region, known for its spicy flavors and rich coconut sauce.

We made our way back to Maria's kitchen, where she showed me how to prepare the ingredients. We chopped the chilies, sliced the pork belly into strips, and minced garlic and onions. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of sizzling pork as we cooked the meat until it was golden brown.

Maria then added the minced garlic and onions, stirring them until they were soft and fragrant. Next came the star ingredient- the green chilies. Maria warned me that they were very spicy, but I was determined to try them. I added them to the pot, taking care not to touch my eyes afterwards.

As the dish simmered on the stove, Maria told me the story of how she learned to make Bicol Express. She had grown up in a small village like this one, where cooking was a way of life. Her mother had taught her the recipe, passing down the knowledge from generation to generation.

Maria had also learned from her neighbors and friends, picking up tips and tricks along the way. She had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own twist to make it truly her own. Now, she was passing it on to me, eager to share this delicious dish with someone who appreciated good food as much as she did.

Finally, after a tantalizing hour of simmering, the Bicol Express was ready. Maria served it over a bed of steaming white rice, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The spicy chilies, the tender pork, the creamy coconut milk- it was unlike anything I had ever tasted.

As I savored each mouthful, Maria watched me with a smile. She could see how much I enjoyed the dish, how it brought back memories of childhood and home. And in that moment, I realized the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, to our culture.

Years later, I still make Bicol Express for my family and friends, each time remembering that hot summer day in Maria's kitchen. I have added my own touch to the recipe, just like she did, making it a reflection of my own tastes and experiences. But the heart of the dish remains the same- the love, the tradition, the connection to the land and the people who inspire us.

So next time you make Bicol Express, remember to savor each bite, to appreciate the flavors and the memories they bring. And maybe, just maybe, you'll feel a connection to me, to Maria, to all the cooks who came before us, sharing their knowledge and their love through the simple act of cooking.