Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a comfort food for the Bicolanos! If you visit Bicol, you should try this amazing and delicious chopped pork cooked in coconut oil with the popular siling labuyo (chili peppers) added to it. This is best when it's served with rice. Wow! Oragon na maray!

Ingredients

• ▢1 tablespoon canola oil or any brand of oil you prefer

• ▢1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly

• ▢4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

• ▢2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

• ▢2 tablespoons fresh shrimp paste

• ▢1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk

• ▢1 cup water

• ▢14 pieces siling labuyo (chili peppers), minced

• ▢2 cups finger chilies (siling haba), sliced

• ▢1 cup coconut cream

• ▢salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• ▢In a wide pot over medium heat, heat oil. 

• ▢Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.

• ▢Add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

• ▢Add shrimp paste and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 2 minutes.

• ▢Add coconut milk, water, and chili peppers. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 35 to 35 minutes or until pork is tender and liquid is reduced and begins to render fat.

• ▢Add finger chilies and cook, stirring regularly, for about 1 to 2 minutes.

• ▢Add coconut cream and continue to simmer until thickened and begins to render fat.

• ▢Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

This is best when it's served hot. Prepare a glass of water, I will warn you. This food is super spicy, since Bicol is known for it's spicy foods.

But trust me you will fall in love with the taste of this food.

Let's talk! You can comment your experiences with this recipe! For more questions and feedbacks, don't hesitate to approach us.

Thank you!

Source:

Pictures and recipe by kawalingpinoy

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