Bicol Express's Recipe

Description:

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish originating from the Bicol region. It is known for being creamy and spicy, made with succulent pork pieces simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with shrimp paste and a generous amount of green chilies.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork belly, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
• 10-15 green chili peppers (siling haba), sliced
• 2-3 bird's eye chilies (siling labuyo), chopped (optional for extra heat)
• 1 large onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the ginger, garlic, and onion until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the pork belly cubes and cook until they are slightly browned.
3. Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for another 2 minutes to release its flavor.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the pork is tender and the liquid has reduced by half, about 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Add the sliced green chilies and bird's eye chilies. Stir well.
6. Pour in the coconut cream and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and starts to render oil, about another 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper if needed (be careful as the shrimp paste is already salty).
8. Serve hot with steamed rice and Enjoy!