Bicol Express

Pinaygourmet #345142's Note:

Named after the train that travels between Manila and Bicol, this popular Bicolano dish will make you reach for water faster than the bullet train. This is not for everyone, but if you're adventurous, go ahead and try it. it can be very rewarding. The ingredients though can be a bit difficult to find. Try Filipino groceries or other Asian stores.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• ½ kg elongated green chilies , julienned (you can use a slightly milder substitute, try the serrano or jabanero)
• 200 g shrimp paste (The Thai version is not a substitute as it is very pungent and totally overpowering. Filipino shrimp)
• 4 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 whole onion , chopped
• ½ kg pork , cut into tiny pieces
• ½ kg plum tomato , chopped
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup thick coconut milk (the light version can be pretty bland)

Directions:

1. In a pan or a wok, sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in oil.
2. When onion is slightly cooked, add pork.
3. Fry the mixture for 2 minutes until pork turned a little brown, and then add 1/2 cup of water.
4. Boil until water is almost gone and pork is completely cooked. Then add shrimp paste.
5. Add chilies.
6. Pour in the coconut milk, keep stirring. Simmer until mixture is dry.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with rice.

Reviews

[jApZerlearns2c00k41]

This recipe was awesome!!! Bicol Express was one of my favorite Filipino Dish... and this turns out great. Thanks for sharing this!!! Will definitely cook time and time again!!!

[Mariz48746]

This is awesome! I tried this recipe 2x already and its been very good.

[Bembem]

I love this recipe. I am a Filipina and is just starting to learn how to cook and I am soo happy that it turned out well. Thanks kababayan! This recipe would also be great with vegetables like okra, small slices of eggplants and string beans. Tried it and loved it too. ^-^