Bicol Express
This Bicol Express recipe is built around spoon cooking oil, and it comes together in about under an hour from start to finish. Sweet without being heavy, it works just as well for an afternoon treat as for dessert. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- 1 Spoon cooking oil
- 1 Chopped Onion, chopped
- 1 Head garlic, minced
- 1 kg Pork belly
- ½ kg Bagoong alamang, shrimp paste
- 15 piece Siling labuyo, bird's eye chili
- 2 Spoons sugar
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- Monosodium glutamate, optional
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
Method
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat, then add the cooking oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add the shrimp paste, siling labuyo and the pork belly. Stir fry the mixture until the pork is browned on all sides.
- Add the sugar, pepper, and monosodium glutamate if using.
- Stir in the coconut milk, and simmer until the meat is cooked through.
Tips for the best Bicol Express
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Keep the simmer gentle. A hard boil toughens spoon cooking oil and drives off the liquid too fast.
- Let the pork come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
Variations
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Fusion twist: keep the method but swap the spices for your own favourites — the Filipino base takes well to it.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving ideas
Dust with icing sugar just before serving and pair with coffee or tea.
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Bicol Express recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 10 ingredients and 5 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Can I make Bicol Express ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for spoon cooking oil?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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