If you’re a fan of bold flavors and spicy dishes, then you’ll love our collection of 20 Spicy Bicol Express recipes. This popular Filipino dish from the Bicol region has gained a worldwide following for its rich coconut milk-based sauce and mouth-numbing chili peppers. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or looking to add some excitement to your meal routine, we’ve got you covered.
From seafood options like shrimp and fish fillet, to meat-lovers’ delights featuring pork belly and beef strips, our recipes showcase the versatility of Bicol Express. And for those who prefer a vegetarian take, don’t worry – we’ve got options too! In this article, we’ll dive into the world of spicy Bicol Express and provide you with the perfect inspiration to spice up your cooking game.
Classic Bicol Express with Coconut Milk
Experience the rich flavors of Bicol’s famous dish with a creamy twist! This recipe combines tender pork, onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a savory coconut milk-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (peppers, eggplant, okra)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for browning
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they start to tenderize.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Return the pork to the pan and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is tender.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Bicol Express with Shrimp
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Bicol’s famous peanut sauce and the spicy kick of chili peppers, all wrapped up in a succulent shrimp dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Bicol peanut sauce (or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp; cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in the peanut sauce, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Belly and Chili Peppers
Experience the bold flavors of Bicol with this spicy and savory dish, featuring tender pork belly and crunchy chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed chili peppers (such as jalapeño and bell peppers), sliced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the chili peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Bicol Express with Tofu
A flavorful and spicy vegetarian twist on the classic Filipino dish, Bicol Express! This recipe uses tofu instead of meat for a delicious and protein-rich meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Bicol Express mix (peanut butter, chili flakes, and vegetable oil)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon calamansi juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the tofu and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Bicol Express mix, soy sauce, and calamansi juice. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bicol Express with Chicken and Green Beans
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
– 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add green beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until green beans are tender.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Bicol Express with Coconut Cream
Savor the rich flavors of this creamy Bicol Express dish infused with coconut cream, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Bicol express (cooked rice and vegetables)
– 1 can coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chili flakes or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Pour in the coconut cream and whisk until smooth.
3. Add the cooked Bicol express mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chili flakes or chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Bicol Express with Squash and Long Beans
This Bicol Express recipe combines the rich flavors of squash and long beans with the savory taste of pork, all wrapped up in a delicious and aromatic dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized squash (any variety), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup long beans, sliced
– 1/2 pound pork belly or lean pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and onion until softened.
4. Add the squash and long beans to the pan, cooking until they start to soften.
5. Return the cooked pork to the pan and stir in patis. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Bicol Express with Beef Strips
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this spicy and savory dish that combines tender beef strips with a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. Served over steamed rice, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (or oyster sauce)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Remove beef from skillet and set aside. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Pour mixture into skillet and stir to combine.
4. Return beef to skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bicol Express with Pineapple for a Sweet Twist
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish known for its rich and creamy sauce, but we’re giving it a sweet twist by adding pineapple to the mix. This unique combination will surely tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic to the same pan; sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk, water, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Add cooked pork back into the pan and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until meat is tender.
6. Stir in pineapple chunks during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Mushrooms and Bell Peppers
A flavorful and spicy twist on the classic Filipino dish, this Bicol Express recipe adds an earthy depth from mushrooms and a pop of color from bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons patis (fish sauce) or soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Chopped green onions and toasted garlic for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Cook until the pork is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in patis or soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and stir to coat.
5. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted garlic if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bicol Express with Fish Fillet and Coconut Milk
Experience the bold flavors of Bicol cuisine with this creamy fish dish, infused with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Patis (fish sauce) or salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
2. Add the fish fillets, tomato, and coconut milk. Season with salt, pepper, and patis (if using).
3. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
4. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Ribs and Chili Leaves
Experience the bold flavors of Bicol cuisine with this hearty dish that combines tender pork ribs, aromatic chili leaves, and savory spices. A perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 500g pork ribs
– 1/4 cup chili leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, onion, and pork ribs; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chili leaves, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir well.
4. Pour in water and fish sauce (if using); bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 30-40 minutes or until pork is tender.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Bicol Express with Eggplant and Coconut Milk
Bicol Express with Eggplant and Coconut Milk Recipe
Summary: A twist on the classic Bicol Express dish, this recipe adds the creamy richness of coconut milk to the spicy eggplant mixture.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 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
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the eggplant slices in batches, cooking until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes total.
4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine with the eggplant mixture.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Bicol Express with Quail Eggs and Pork
A flavorful and spicy Filipino dish that combines the richness of pork, the creaminess of quail eggs, and the bold flavors of Bicol Region’s popular chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4-6 quail eggs, peeled
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili flakes (Bicol-style hot peppers)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked pork back into the skillet and stir to combine with spices.
6. Make a well in the center of the skillet and add quail eggs.
7. Cover skillet and cook until eggs are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bicol Express with Crab Meat and Coconut Cream
This classic Filipino dish gets a luxurious twist with the addition of crab meat and coconut cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce that’s perfect for rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crab meat (jumbo lump or claw)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups coconut cream
– 1 cup water or crab broth
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, tomato, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add crab meat and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in coconut cream and water/broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Shrimp Paste for Extra Umami
A twist on the classic Bicol Express recipe, this dish adds a depth of flavor and umami taste with the use of shrimp paste. This hearty meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong)
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in shrimp paste and black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Shoulder and Green Chili
A classic Filipino dish from the Bicol region, this recipe combines tender pork shoulder with a flavorful green chili sauce and steamed rice. Perfect for a comforting meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups green chilies, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups steamed rice
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the chopped green chilies and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return the pork to the skillet and stir in the black pepper and salt.
7. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is tender.
8. Serve with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Taro Leaves and Coconut Milk
A creamy and flavorful take on the classic Bicol Express dish, this recipe adds a unique twist by incorporating taro leaves and coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pork belly or ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium taro leaves, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (patis)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat cooking oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly or ribs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chopped taro leaves to the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. Return the pork belly or ribs to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until meat is tender.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bicol Express with Spicy Longganisa and Coconut Cream
Experience the bold flavors of Bicol cuisine with this spicy and creamy twist on the classic dish. This recipe combines the savory taste of longganisa with the richness of coconut cream, all wrapped up in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup longganisa, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork pieces and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
4. Add sliced longganisa and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return pork to the skillet and simmer until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Stir in coconut cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bicol Express with Pork Liver and Coconut Milk
A creamy and flavorful twist on the classic Bicol Express recipe, this version adds the richness of pork liver and coconut milk for a truly unique dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pork liver, chopped
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomatoes, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add pork liver and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add coconut milk, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot over rice.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Discover the bold flavors of Bicol Express, a classic Filipino dish, with our collection of 20 spicy recipes. From classic versions made with coconut milk to innovative twists featuring shrimp, pork belly, and even quail eggs, there’s something for every palate. Spice up your meals with these mouth-watering dishes that combine the richness of coconut cream with the heat of chili peppers. Get ready to savor the flavors of Bicol Express in a whole new way!
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