Bicol Express: A Filipino Favorite in 30 Minutes or Less!

All aboard the flavor train! Today, we’re taking a delicious culinary journey to the vibrant region of Bicol in the Philippines!

Bicol Express is a spicy and flavorful Filipino dish made of pork stewed in coconut milk, shrimp paste, and an array of spicy peppers. It is a popular dish of Bicolano cuisine from the Philippines.

As an easy and hearty dish, Bicol Express has gained popularity not only in the Bicol region but across the country and even beyond.

The ingredients are simple and you can make this a one-pan meal to feed your family or prepare it for a potluck gathering to impress your friends. This spicy food will bring some excitement to your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

If you’re someone who LOVES a little kick in your meals, Bicol Express is the perfect dish for you.

We’ll teach you how to make this mouthwatering Bicol Express step by step, so don’t worry if you’re new to Filipino cooking! (By the way, if you love Filipino food come explore more of our Filipino recipes!)

Let’s start by getting to know more about this dish and its roots in the Bicol region of the Philippines. Keep reading for the recipe!

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Table of Contents

The Origin of Bicol Express

This beloved dish hails from the Bicol region of the Philippines, which is known for its abundant supply of spicy chili peppers and coconuts.

It is said the dish was named “Bicol Express” because it was sold by vendors at the Sipocot train station and as well as the actual train route from Manila to Legazpi City in Bicol.

The intensity and spiciness of the Bicol Express is said to mimic the speed and heat of a fast moving train.

Bicol Express can also be attributed Chef Cely Kalaw, a culinary icon in the Bicol region, who popularized the dish in the 1970s.

As a truly native Filipino dish, Bicol represents the Bicolano cuisine and culture by showcasing the region’s love for spice and coconut-based dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Bicol Express

Bicol Express can be served as a main dish alongside steamed rice, giving you the perfect medium to soak up all the delicious flavors of the dish.

For a larger meal, consider pairing Bicol Express with sauteed or fresh vegetable dishes like ensaladang pipino to add some balance to the spicy flavors.

You can also enjoy Bicol Express with some crispy fried fish or even grilled seafood to create a delectable surf-and-turf combination. Bicol Express pairs wonderfully with many other Filipino dishes such as coconut milk adobo and sinigang.

As for beverages, enjoy it with an ice cold beer or a cold cup of melon sa malamig (melon juice)!

If your mouth is on fire after you take your last bite of Bicol Express, cool it down with a refreshing dessert like halo halo or ginataan bilo bilo.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bicol Express

While Bicol Express is a beginner-friendly dish, there are a few tips to help you make the perfect meal for you and your guests:

1. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or use less spicy varieties.

Note 1. If cooking for a group with different spice tolerances, you can make the dish with mild or medium peppers only, then serve extra chili on the side for individuals to add as desired.

1. Use a variety of chili peppers to add depth and complexity to the dish. Some popular varieties used in Bicol Express are siling labuyo, siling haba, anaheim, serrano, thai chili, poblano, jalapeno, and habanero.
2. Choose your preferred pork cut depending on your taste and preferences. Pork belly is absolutely amazing for Bicol Express because the fat helps to balance the spiciness, however it can be too rich for some. In this case, try using a leaner cut like pork shoulder. We don’t recommend using a super lean cut like pork loin as the fat is needed to enhance flavor and balance the heat.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Bicol Express

When cooking Bicol Express, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure that you achieve the best results possible:

1. Using too high heat can cause the coconut milk to curdle. Once you add the coconut milk to the pan, be sure to reduce the heat to a simmer and stir constantly to prevent curdling.
2. Making it too spicy for you to handle. Remember, it is easier to add more spice later on than to tone it down once it’s too spicy. Taste along the way and adjust the spice levels accordingly.

How to Store and Reheat Bicol Express

After cooking a delicious batch of Bicol Express, you may find yourself with leftovers.

To properly store this dish, refrigerate in a closed container and eat within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and taste. Coconut milk spoils fast, so it’s important to consume it within a timely manner.

When reheating Bicol Express, it’s best to do so on the stovetop over low heat. You may microwave it as well, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overheating as it can alter the taste and texture of the dish.

As for freezing, use an airtight container or a vacuum sealed bag to store Bicol Express and consume within 1 month.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly cubes
• 1½ tbsp bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)
• 4 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 sweet yellow onion chopped
• 1 anaheim pepper seeded and sliced
• 3 serrano pepper sliced
• 2 thai chili peppers sliced
• 13.5 oz coconut milk

Note 2. Classic Bicol Express uses siling labuyo and siling haba, which can be difficult to find in the US. In our recipe, we used a combination of anaheim peppers, serrano peppers, and thai chili peppers. Use a variety of peppers available to you to achieve the desired level of flavor and spice.

Recipe

1. Cut the anaheim peppers in half, remove the seeds, then slice into thin pieces. Set aside.

2. Heat a pan to medium-high heat. Saute pork belly until cooked through. Set aside.

3. Add garlic, onions, peppers, and bagoong to the pan. Cook a few minutes until aromatic and softened.

4. Add the cooked pork back in, then pour in the coconut milk.

5. Lower the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust spice according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Capture the essence of the Bicol region with this fiery and flavorful dish – Bicol Express. Come hungry and ready for bold, fast-paced flavors that will take your taste buds on a wild ride!

We hope you enjoy this recipe! Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @itsforkandspoon!

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References & Further Reading

Besa & Dorotan, Amy & Romy. “Bicol Express.” Memories of Philippine Kitchens. New York, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2006. Page 154.

Daza, Nora & Mariles. “The Bicol Express.” Galing Galing Philippine Cuisine. Manila, National Book Store, Inc. 1974. Page 103.

https://www.tasteatlas.com/bicol-express

https://www.yummy.ph/news-trends/bicol-express-complicated-origins-a00203-20230719-src-esquire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicol_Express#:~:text=During the 1960s%2C the Bicol,the dish to the passengers.