Filipino Bicol Express (Pork in shrimp paste-coconut milk sauce)

Bicol Express is an original Filipino dish which consists pork meat in sauce made up of shrimp paste and coconut oil and is known to be spicy.

This Filipino Bicol Express is creamy and rich along with spiciness of Thai and chili fingers combined in its sauce. It was name after a passenger train from Manila, Philippines’ capital, to the Bicol, a known province for its tourist spots and is famous in spicy cuisines.

Ingredients

• Pork Belly: Juicy part and best for this dish for its natural oil when cooked.
• Shrimp Paste: Salty and flavorful condiment which makes the sauce’s flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Serves as the base of the sauce and makes it creamy and rich.
• Coconut Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Thai Chili Peppers: Makes this recipe truly spicy.
• Finger Chilies: Spicy and a bit sweet when cooked.
• Onion: Adds a savory aroma and flavor
• Garlic: Adds more aroma when cooked well.
• Canola oil: Use to saute.
• Water: Helps in tenderizing the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste.

Preparation:

1. Saute: Heat oil in a wide pot over medium heat,. Stir in the onions and garlic until softened. Add the shrimp paste, constantly stir until light brown then stir in the pork until brown.
2. Sauce: Put in shrimp paste and stir for about 2 minutes until cooked. Pour in coconut milk, water and chilies then bring to simmer for about 30 minutes until liquid reduced. Good indication is that the fat liquefies or becomes oil. Add chili fingers then stir. Let cook for another 2 minutes. Add coconut cream then let simmer until the sauce thickens.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Variations:

This recipe has its original way of cooking but you can change some of the ingredients for a different experience.

• Chili: You can lessen or remove chili if you are not a fan of spicy food. It will still be creamy and rich but not spicy.
• Fish: You can use fish instead of pork meat. Just add minced fresh ginger after onion and garlic.

Storage:

If there are leftovers you wish to save for tomorrow or the other day, you can always store them then reheat later.

• On the fridge: Place in an airtight container then refrigerate. This can stay for another day or two.
• Freeze: You can have this for 5-7 days in the freezer by placing in a freezer bag.
• Reheat: Have this reheated on the stovetop for about 2-3 minutes. You may add one half cup of water to the sauce. Using a microwave, reheat this for 3-5 minutes. Just don’t forget to thaw when frozen.