Bicol Express
Photo: Raymund Macaalay, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bicol Express is a Filipino stew of pork belly, coconut milk and fiery bird's eye chilies. The dish was popularized in Malate, Manila, and named after the passenger train that ran between the Bicol Region and the capital. Bicol cooks are known for pairing coconut milk with chilies, and here the rich pork and salty shrimp paste give the heat something to push against. Plenty of rice is the natural partner.
Instructions
Set a frying pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil.
When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the smell turns fragrant.
Add the shrimp paste, the siling labuyo and the pork belly. Stir fry until the pork is browned on all sides.
Season with the sugar and black pepper, plus the monosodium glutamate if you are using it, and stir to coat the meat.
Pour in the coconut milk and let it simmer until the pork is cooked through.
Serve hot with cooked rice.
Better meat, delivered.
Premium cuts shipped to your door. Skip the grocery store and cook with quality you can taste.
Shop Meatzy →Affiliate link · PicksByRecipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
