Bicol Express – Spicy and Creamy Comfort Dish for Lunch or Dinner


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What is Bicol Express?

Bicol Express is a popular Luzon dish known for its spicy, creamy blend of pork, coconut milk, chilies, and bagoong. Originally from the Bicol region, this flavorful ulam showcases the area’s love for gata and spicy food. Bicol Express is loved by Filipinos because of its rich sauce, bold heat, and satisfying balance of salty, savory, and creamy flavors.

Why Masarap

Masarap ang Bicol Express dahil perfect ang combination ng anghang ng sili, linamnam ng pork, at creaminess ng gata. Each spoonful is rich, spicy, and comforting—parang warm hug ng gata at sili sa kanin. The aroma of simmering coconut milk and chilies makes it irresistible, especially for those who enjoy bold Filipino flavors.

Best Eaten For

Bicol Express is best eaten for lunch or dinner, lalo na kapag craving mo ang spicy ulam na malasa at bagay sa mainit na rice.

Bicol Express

Ingredients

  • ½ kg pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon bagoong alamang
  • 4–6 long green chilies (siling haba), sliced
  • 2–3 bird’s eye chilies (optional for added heat)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil

How to Cook Bicol Express

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add pork and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk and let it simmer until the pork becomes tender.
  4. Add bagoong and sliced chilies, then mix gently.
  5. Pour in coconut cream and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting spice level by adding more chilies if desired.
  7. Simmer until rich, creamy, and well-balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Bicol Express is best paired with newly cooked steamed rice. For a balanced Filipino meal, it also goes well with lighter dishes such as Ensaladang Talong or noodle favorites like Pancit Canton.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Best consumed within 2–3 days for freshness.
  • Reheat over low heat; add a little coconut milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pwede bang gawing chicken ang Bicol Express?

Yes. Chicken works well and cooks faster than pork.

Pwede bang hindi masyadong maanghang?

Use fewer chilies or remove the seeds to reduce heat.

Ano ang pinaka-best cut ng pork?

Pork belly or shoulder para malasa at tender.

Pwede bang i-freeze ang leftover?

Yes, but consume within 1 week for best texture.

Kailangan ba ng bagoong?

Bagoong adds depth and umami, pero pwede bawasan for a milder taste.


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