Spice up your meal with one of the most popular homey dishes of the Philippines— Bicol Express! This ain’t no ordinary recipe, because I would be sharing with you a special one. How is it special, read below to find out!
Let’s traverse history first, and learn more about the dish.
Background
You might be wondering why the native cuisine is called as it is. Well, while it’s easy to associate the dish to the Bicol region, this location is not where it was first served. Bicol Express was invented in Malate, Manila by Cecilia Villanueva Kalaw, or “Tita Cely,” who though was a native of Laguna, spent her childhood years in Naga, Bicol. She learned to cook dishes from the province, and applied this cooking in her restaurant in Manila. Her popular creation is this dish very similar to Gulay na Lada; it only greatly differs to that as her Bicol Express, or “sinilihan” has meat. As for the name, “Bicol Express” is the name of the train (bound Bicol to Manila, and vice versa) that passes the Tita Cely’s house.
Is Bicol Express always spicy?
While the stew is of Bicolano style, and is therefore served with chili peppers, there are now variants of serving Bicol Express to match different people’s preferences. For those with low tolerance of spicy food, there is normally more meat and less chili peppers. However, if you are “Bicolano” enough, the spicier, the better!
What is best to pair with Bicol Express?
Pair up Bicol Express with rice and serve it with fizzy cold cola! The mild taste of steaming hot rice compliments the kick in the dish really well. Add that cold drink, and watch your intake. You might eat a lot!
Getting hungry? Let’s get cooking!
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | TOTAL TIME |
| 15 mins | 1 hr | 1 hr 15 mins |
- Garlic
- Cooking oil
- Salt & pepper
- Onion
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
- Coconut milk
- Salted shrimp (Bagoong Alamang)
- Green & red chili
- Pork belly chopped in to cubes
- Prepare all the ingredients. Mince garlic. Slice onion and ginger. Stem and slice chili.
- Heat a pan— set to low flame first.
- Add coconut milk and pork stock.
- Add pepper.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion.
- Add pork and mix thoroughly.
- Adjust to medium heat, and boil mixture for about 35 minutes, or until pork is tender. Check and stir every 7 minutes.
- Add salted shrimp (bagoong alamang).
- Add brown sugar, and mix.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add chili peppers, mix, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve your special super sweet and spicy Bicol Express while hot! Enjoy!
- Bean Sprout Ramen
- Chicken Adobo With Mushroom
- Stir Fry Chicken & Vegetables
- Seafood Goto Special
- Crispy Fried Fish
Watch the video below where we walk you through every step of this recipe. Check out our collection of recipes on Youtube, Facebook or on our Instagram.
More Kusina Recipes
Nilagang Baka Recipe
Ang Nilagang Baka ay isang paboritong soup ng mga Pilipino. Ito ay laman ng Baka na pinakuluan na may timpla ng buong paminta, sibuyas at patis. Madalas na nilalagyan ito ng mais, patatas at green vegetables tulad ng bok choy o cabbage. Ito ang pinaka simpling recipe...
Pork Igado
Ang Pork Igado ay isa sa popular at pinaka paboritong lutuin ng mga Ilocano budge- friendly na masustansya at masarap. Ito ay luto na gamit ang pork meat at lamang loob tulad ng liver, kidney at ang puso ng baboy. Ito ay masarap na combination perfect for hot steamed...
Chicken Adobo Recipe
Ang Chicken Adobo ay isa sa pinaka madaling lutuin pero nag dadala ng sigla sa hapag kainan ng mga Pilipino. Ang iba ay ibina babad ito sa soy sauce, vinegar at garlic ng para lalong malasa na talagang masarap ka sama ang mainit na kanin. Ang daming style ng pag luto...
Ginisang Baguio Beans
English content currently in the making. Sorry for any inconvenience...Prep Time: 15minCook Time: 45minsReady in: 60minsIngredients Baguio beans Chicken breast Oyster sauce Salt & pepper Chilies Cooking oil Water Step by Step InstructionsStep 1 In a preheated pan,...
Special Laing Recipe
This recipe will show you an easy, simple way to make Laing. This tasty dish is filled with flavor and nectarous aroma from the first bite to the last. The tender meat and lush vegetables accompanied by warm, steamed rice truly hit the spot. Laing is one of the meals...
Chicken Afritada
This Chicken Afritada recipe is perfectly tendered in a fresh tomato-based sauce combined with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Definitely easy to prepare and quick to cook which is perfect for family lunches or dinners and special occasions. While I used canned...
