Get ready to ignite your taste buds with our collection of 20 Spicy Bicol Express recipes! This iconic Filipino dish is known for its bold flavors and spicy kick, and we’re excited to share our twist on this classic recipe. Whether you’re a fan of pork, chicken, beef, or seafood, we’ve got you covered with these delicious variations.
From the classic Bicol Express with coconut milk to more adventurous options like Spicy Pork Bicol Express with chili peppers, Vegetarian Bicol Express with tofu, and Creamy Bicol Express with coconut cream and basil, there’s something for everyone in this list. So go ahead, spice up your mealtime routine, and discover the bold flavors of the Philippines!
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Classic Bicol Express with Coconut Milk
This iconic Filipino dish originated from the region of Bicol, where coconut milk and chili peppers come together to create a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce. This recipe is a simplified version of the classic, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2-3 chili peppers (depending on desired level of spiciness)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and ginger; sauté until onion is translucent.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and chili peppers. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Pork Bicol Express with Chili Peppers
A classic Filipino dish that packs a punch of flavor! This Spicy Pork Bicol Express recipe is a twist on the traditional version, adding a kick of heat from chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2-3 dried chili peppers, crushed or 1-2 fresh Thai chilies, sliced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup pork liver sauce (or substitute with fish sauce)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add pork pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add crushed chili peppers or sliced chilies and stir well.
6. Pour in coconut milk and pork liver sauce; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the meat is tender.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Shrimp and Coconut Cream
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this creamy twist on the classic Bicol Express dish, featuring succulent shrimp and rich coconut cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated ginger
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they start to break down.
5. Stir in coconut cream and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Bicol Express with Tofu
This Vegetarian Bicol Express with Tofu is a creative take on the traditional Filipino recipe, substituting pork and chicken with tender tofu. The result is a rich and aromatic dish that’s perfect for veggie lovers and non-veggies alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of coconut milk
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the tofu, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk, cumin, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Chicken and Green Mango
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this hearty Bicol Express recipe, infused with chicken and tangy green mango. This classic dish gets a modern twist by adding juicy chicken to the traditional mix of pork and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup green mango, sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin, and chili flakes. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add tomatoes and green mango. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Beef and Lemongrass
This recipe combines the bold flavors of beef, lemongrass, and chilies to create a spicy and savory Bicol Express. Perfect for those who love a little heat in their dishes!
Ingredients:
– 500g beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped chilies or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add lemongrass, onion, and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add bagoong, coconut milk, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Return beef to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until beef is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chilies or chili flakes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Bicol Express with Coconut Cream and Basil
This creamy take on the classic Filipino dish, Bicol Express, adds a rich and velvety texture with coconut cream and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 medium-sized chili pepper, sliced
– 1 cup of pork belly or bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup of coconut cream
– 2 cups of cooked rice
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Add chili pepper and pork belly or bacon; cook until browned.
4. Pour in coconut milk and stir well to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in coconut cream and cooked rice.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Squid and Coconut Milk
This creamy and spicy dish from the Philippines combines tender squid with a flavorful coconut milk-based sauce, all wrapped up in a rich tomato-based broth. This recipe is a twist on the classic Bicol Express, adding the protein-rich squid for added depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound squid rings
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squid and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Remove the squid from the skillet and set aside. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked squid back into the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Simmer the dish for 2-3 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Belly and Long Chili
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this spicy and savory Bicol Express dish, featuring tender pork belly and long chili peppers. This recipe is a twist on the classic Bicol Express, adding rich pork belly to the traditional mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium-long chili peppers, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add pork belly and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add sliced chili peppers and onion to the pan. Cook until onions are translucent.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return pork belly to the pan.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pork is tender.
6. Serve over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Coconut Milk and Turmeric
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish that originated from the Bicol region. This recipe adds a rich and creamy twist by incorporating coconut milk and turmeric, giving it a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pork belly or spare ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork, onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add cumin, turmeric, and salt; stir well.
4. Pour in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 15-20 minutes or until pork is tender.
6. Season with black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves; serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Ribs and Ginger
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this simplified recipe for Bicol Express, featuring tender pork ribs and a hint of ginger. This popular dish from the Bicol region is known for its creamy coconut milk-based sauce and spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork ribs
– 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add pork ribs and cook until browned on all sides.
2. Remove pork from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced ginger until fragrant.
3. Add patis, black pepper, and salt to the pan and stir well.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring mixture to a simmer. Return pork ribs to the pan and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bicol Express with Mushrooms and Coconut Cream
This creamy twist on the classic Bicol Express dish adds an earthy flavor from mushrooms, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork, coconut cream, and spices with the savory taste of mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut cream, fish sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until pork is tender.
5. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Fish and Coconut Milk
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this creamy and spicy dish, featuring fish cooked in a rich coconut milk-based sauce. This Bicol Express recipe is a twist on the classic pork-based version, substituting fish for a lighter and fresher take.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fish fillet (any white fish works), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add fish, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper; cook until fish is cooked through.
4. Stir in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork and Pineapple
This Bicol Express recipe is a creative spin on the classic Filipino dish, adding juicy pineapple to balance out the spicy pork. Perfect for a flavorful meal or party!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add pineapple and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Return pork to the pan, stirring in soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper.
6. Season with salt to taste and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pork is tender.
7. Garnish with green onions and peanuts (if using). Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Chicken and Coconut Cream
This recipe is a twist on the traditional Bicol Express dish, substituting chicken for pork and adding creamy coconut milk for an extra rich and indulgent flavor. Perfect as a main course or as part of a fiesta spread!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add coconut milk, ginger, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; stir well.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork and Bamboo Shoots
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork, bamboo shoots, and chili peppers to create a mouth-numbingly spicy dish that’s perfect for adventurous eaters. Bicol Express is a popular Filipino comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups bamboo shoots, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
– Chopped green onions and toasted garlic for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork, onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until browned.
3. Add bamboo shoots, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt; stir well.
4. Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce (if using); bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until pork is tender.
6. Serve hot with chopped green onions and toasted garlic on top.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Bicol Express with Duck and Coconut Milk
Experience the rich flavors of Bicol Express, a popular Filipino dish, reimagined with tender duck and creamy coconut milk. This unique fusion combines the best of both worlds for a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb duck breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 cup Bicol Express sauce (or homemade mixture of chili peppers, onions, tomatoes, and vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add duck pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove duck from the pan and set aside. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and Bicol Express sauce. Stir to combine, then add back the duck pieces.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until duck is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork and Eggplant
Bicol Express with Pork and Eggplant Recipe
A classic Filipino dish from the Bicol region, this recipe combines tender pork and eggplant in a savory tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (patis)
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add eggplant slices and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion, garlic, tomato puree, fish sauce, and vinegar to the pan. Stir well.
5. Return pork to the pan and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork and Green Beans
This classic Filipino dish is a staple of Bicol cuisine, characterized by its bold flavors and spicy kick. This recipe combines tender pork, crunchy green beans, and aromatic spices to create a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onions, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onions are translucent.
4. Add green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with salt to taste. If desired, add tomato sauce and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork and Sweet Potato Leaves
This spicy dish from Bicol region of the Philippines combines tender pork and sweet potato leaves in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, served over steaming hot rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups sweet potato leaves (or 1 cup fresh spinach)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, onion, sweet potato leaves (or spinach), and tomato sauce. Stir well.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Season with fish sauce (if using) and salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 20 spicy Bicol Express recipes! This Filipino dish typically features a rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce, but we’ve taken it up a notch by adding a variety of twists. From classic pork and shrimp options to vegetarian and seafood variations, there’s something for everyone. Spicy levels range from mild to extreme, so you can adjust the heat to your liking. Whether you’re in the mood for bold flavors or comforting classics, these recipes will transport your taste buds straight to the Philippines!
