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Bicol Express

Name: Bicol Express
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 2
Cuisine: Philippines
Ingredients: 250g Pork belly; 200ml Coconut milk; 3 Green chili pepper; 1 knob Ginger; 2 cloves Garlic; 1/2 Onion; 1 tsp Shrimp paste

Main Dish

⏱ 40 min

👥 Serves 2

Difficulty ⭐⭐

Pork simmered spicy with coconut milk and chili — a dish born in the Bicol region.

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📖 The Story Behind This Dish

Believed to originate in the Bicol region of southern Philippines, this pork stew makes generous use of coconut milk. Bicol is also known as a chili-growing region, which explains the dish's signature spiciness. The name "Express" is said to reference the express train connecting Manila and the Bicol region — despite being a relatively recent dish (believed to date to the 1970s), it quickly became a nationwide favorite.

🌆 Where it's eaten: At a diner in Manila, ordered as a classic menu item alongside white rice — the combination of coconut richness and chili heat captivates many.

🥕 Ingredients (serves 2)

Pork belly 250g
Coconut milk 200ml
Green chili pepper 3
Ginger 1 knob
Garlic 2 cloves
Onion 1/2
Shrimp paste 1 tsp

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mince the ginger, garlic, and onion.
Sauté the garlic, ginger, and onion in a pot, then add the pork and stir-fry.
Add the coconut milk; once it comes to a boil, reduce to low heat.
Add the chopped green chili and shrimp paste.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
Season with salt to finish.

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