4.4 from 134 votes
Bicol Express
Bicol Express is a rich Filipino pork belly stew cooked with shrimp paste, coconut milk, and a combination of Thai and finger chilies. The dish features tender cubes of pork belly simmered slowly to develop a creamy, spicy sauce that balances aromatic garlic, onion, and pungent shrimp paste flavors.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
6
Servings
Calories:
1102 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Filipino
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 onion peeled and sliced thinly
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 2 pounds pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons shrimp paste fresh
- 1 can coconut milk 13.5 ounces
- 1 cup water
- 14 pieces Thai Chili pepper stemmed and minced
- 2 cups finger chilies siling haba, sliced
- 1 cup coconut cream
- salt to taste
- black 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Chill pork belly slightly before slicing for easier, cleaner cuts.
- If available shrimp paste is bright pink and salty, rinse and drain to reduce saltiness and color bleed.
- Cook coconut milk at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling and preserve creaminess.
- Optional vegetables include string beans or long beans added toward the end for texture contrast.
Nutrition Information
Calories
1102kcal
(55%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
21g
(42%)
Fat
110g
(169%)
Saturated Fat
53g
(265%)
Cholesterol
168mg
(56%)
Sodium
411mg
(17%)
Potassium
592mg
(13%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
45IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
15.8mg
(18%)
Calcium
52mg
(5%)
Iron
4.2mg
(23%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1102
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1102kcal | 55% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 110g | 169% |
| Saturated Fat | 53g | 265% |
| Cholesterol | 168mg | 56% |
| Sodium | 411mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 592mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 45IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 15.8mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 52mg | 5% |
| Iron | 4.2mg | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.