Bicol Express Recipe

Bicol Express Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Filipino Dish

Get your tummies ready for this mouth-watering and rice-consuming Bicol Express. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, using very common ingredients that you can find in any local store. Bicol Express is a beloved Filipino dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many, both in the Philippines and around the world. Its rich and creamy coconut milk base, combined with the spicy kick of chili peppers, creates a unique and unforgettable flavor profile that will leave you craving for more.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it an ideal dish for any occasion. From family gatherings and special celebrations to a regular day when you want to treat yourself to something special, Bicol Express is sure to impress.

In this guide, we'll take you through the origins of Bicol Express, the essential kitchen utensils you'll need, and the primary ingredients that make this dish so special. We'll also share some interesting facts about the dish and provide tips and tricks to help you perfect your cooking. So, let's dive in and discover the delicious world of Bicol Express!

Origin of the Dish

Bicol Express is a famous Filipino dish that refers to a pork stew sautéed with garlic, onions, and ginger. The pork is then simmered in coconut milk and made more delicious with the touch of shrimp paste and spiced up with chili peppers.

This dish originated in the Philippines. Though it is named after the town of Bicol, this mouth-watering dish was made popular in Malate, Manila. However, it is traditionally cooked in Bicolano style. The dish got its name from a native resident of Laguna, Cely Kalaw, when she joined a cooking competition in Malate, Manila in the 1970s. She named the dish after the Bicol Express railway train, which runs from Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay.

It is also believed that Bicol Express is a variety of the original dish in Bicol called “Gulay na may Lada,” which translates to “vegetable with chili.” The two dishes have the same ingredients except that Bicol Express has pork while the latter is cooked with pure vegetables.

When is Bicol Express Typically Served?

Bicol Express is typically served as a main dish. It is very much a rice-consuming dish, so better prepare an ample amount of rice as it will make you want more. Hence, this is best served during cheat days. In the Philippines, it is common and generally served during special occasions like Fiesta, weddings, birthdays, or any family gatherings and events.

Kitchen Utensils You Will Need

You will need the following kitchen utensils to prepare and cook the famous and delicious Bicol Express:

• Strainer
• Chopping board
• Chopping knife
• Bowls
• Spatula
• Serving bowl
• Skillet or frying pan

Primary Ingredients for Bicol Express – Pork and Coconut Milk

Cooking Bicol Express during special occasions or just on a regular day you want to be special is not a problem since its ingredients, mainly pork and coconut milk, are both very common and can easily be found in your nearby store, supermarkets, or even malls.

These ingredients bring you a lot of health benefits as well. Pork, with moderate consumption, is a good source of vitamins and minerals like protein, Vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, iron, and it is richer in thiamine. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is highly beneficial and nutritious. It contains vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6. In addition to that, coconut milk is also rich in fiber. It can help in weight loss, keep good digestion, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Interesting Facts About Bicol Express

• Bicol Express is widely known in Bicol as Sinilihan, which actually means spiced with chili, since one of its ingredients is a good amount of chili peppers.
• You may first think that the dish is from the Bicol region, but it is actually not, though its way of cooking natively came from the region. However, it was made by Cely Kalaw, who was exposed to Bicolano cuisine, and first made the dish in the district of Malate, Manila.
• The dish is named after the Bicol Express railway train, which runs from Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay. This name was chosen to reflect the spicy and exciting nature of the dish.
• Bicol Express is often compared to another Filipino dish called Laing, which also uses coconut milk and chili peppers but primarily features dried taro leaves instead of pork.
• The dish has become so popular that it has inspired various fusion recipes, including Bicol Express pizza, pasta, and even sushi.
• In some regions, Bicol Express is made with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and seafood, showcasing its versatility.
• The use of coconut milk in Bicol Express is a hallmark of Bicolano cuisine, which is known for its rich and creamy dishes.
• Bicol Express is not just a favorite in the Philippines; it has also gained international recognition and is served in Filipino restaurants around the world.

Tips and Tricks in Cooking Bicol Express

• Since Bicol Express has shrimp paste as an ingredient, for some people allergic to this kind of seafood, you can substitute it with fish sauce or just fully exclude those ingredients when cooking the dish.
• It is mentioned in the directions of cooking Bicol Express to use coconut milk in the first simmer of the pork. You can actually use water to simmer the dish and just pour the coconut milk in the latter part of simmering to prevent it from becoming too oily.
• For a richer flavor, marinate the pork in shrimp paste and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more coconut milk or let the dish simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
• To balance the spiciness, you can add a bit of sugar or use sweet chili peppers instead of the regular ones.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to add a burst of freshness to the dish.
• Serve Bicol Express with a side of pickled vegetables to complement the rich and spicy flavors.

Bicol Express is a must-try Filipino dish that combines the rich and creamy flavors of coconut milk with the spicy kick of chili peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a regular day you want to make special. With its accessible ingredients and simple cooking process, you can bring a taste of the Philippines to your kitchen. Don't forget to try out the tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and make your Bicol Express truly unforgettable. Enjoy this delicious dish with a generous serving of rice and share the love with your family and friends.

Variations and Alternative Ingredients for Bicol Express

Meat Alternatives

• Chicken: Substitute pork with chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
• Beef: Use beef instead of pork for a richer flavor.
• Seafood: Shrimp or fish can be used for a seafood twist.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

• Tofu: Replace pork with tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Mushrooms: Use mushrooms like shiitake or button mushrooms as a meat substitute.
• Vegetables: Add more vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or green beans.

Coconut Milk Alternatives

• Coconut Cream: For a richer and creamier texture, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
• Almond Milk: Use almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative.
• Soy Milk: Soy milk can also be used as a substitute for coconut milk.

Spice Level Adjustments

• Milder Version: Reduce the amount of chili peppers or use milder varieties like bell peppers.
• Spicier Version: Add more chili peppers or use spicier varieties like bird's eye chili.

Shrimp Paste Alternatives

• Fish Sauce: Use fish sauce as a substitute for shrimp paste.
• Soy Sauce: For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce instead of shrimp paste.
• Miso Paste: Miso paste can also be used as an alternative to shrimp paste for a unique flavor.

Additional Ingredients

• Peanuts: Add crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Bamboo Shoots: Include bamboo shoots for added crunch.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and alternative ingredients to create your own unique version of Bicol Express!

Bicol Express is indeed a good idea of dish on every occasion. Cooking it is quite simple and easy plus the ingredients are very much accessible to your area. You will surely fall in love with the good combination of spicy and creamy taste of this dish. This is also a good way to keep a good impression to your guests and family. A taste that will surely linger in their mouth as they go home from your house and definitely something they would keep coming back to.