Last Updated on August 23, 2025 by Ed Joven
Pork Bicol Express – A Spicy Classic You’ll Always Love
If you enjoy Filipino dishes with a bit of heat, then the Pork Bicol Express recipe deserves a spot on your table. This spicy and creamy favorite comes from the Bicol region, a place famous for its love of chili and coconut milk. The combination of tender meat, rich coconut cream, and a generous amount of chilies gives you that perfect balance of flavor that makes every bite exciting. It is the type of dish that brings warmth to family meals and adds character to any food spread.
Why Bicol Express Stands Out
The reason this dish stands out is its unique blend of flavors. The creaminess of coconut milk softens the spice from the chilies, creating a rich and comforting balance. It’s not just about the heat, but also about how well the sauce coats the meat and pairs with steamed rice. Many food lovers call it a comfort dish because of the way it satisfies both flavor and texture in one bowl.
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Nutritional Benefits
Even though it is a rich dish, Pork Bicol Express offers some nutritional perks. Coconut milk contains healthy fats that support energy and give the sauce its velvety texture. Chili peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost the immune system. If you use lean cuts of pork or even substitute with chicken or seafood, you get a source of protein that helps build strength and keeps you feeling full. When enjoyed in moderation, this recipe can be part of a balanced Filipino meal, reassuring you of its health value.
Ingredients and Step by Step Procedure:
Pork Bicol Express for Spicy Comfort Food at Home
Ingredients
- 300 g Pork Belly sliced
- 125 ml Water
- 1 tsp. Sugar optional
- 1 tbsp. Ginger strips
- 3 cloves Garlic chopped
- 1 small Onion sliced
- 1 tbsp. Spicy Bagoong
- 5 pcs. Green Chilli sliced
- 200 ml Coconut Milk
- Pinch Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the pork in a pan and boil until the liquid dries up and the meat starts to render its own fat.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add the garlic and onion, then cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the spicy bagoong and sauté for about a minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in two-thirds of the coconut milk, then let it simmer gently over low heat.
- Drop in the green chilies and keep stirring from time to time to prevent burning.
- Continue simmering until the dish turns fragrant and the coconut oil begins to surface.
- Add the remaining coconut milk and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Please give it a taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of sugar if you like a subtle sweetness.
- Serve hot with rice and enjoy your creamy, spicy Bicol Express!
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Nutrition
Food Safety Tips You Should Remember
Because this dish uses coconut milk and meat, handle and cook everything with care. Always wash fresh ingredients thoroughly before cooking. Keep raw meat away from vegetables to avoid cross-contamination. Use a clean chopping board and knife, and make sure to cook the meat until it reaches a safe temperature. When you serve the dish, avoid leaving it at room temperature for long hours since coconut milk spoils quickly. Safe handling ensures the dish keeps its flavor and prevents any unwanted health risks.
How to Store Bicol Express Properly
If you plan to save some for later, transfer leftovers to an airtight container right after the meal. Please place it in the refrigerator and consume it within two to three days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portion sizes so you can easily reheat only what you need. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Proper storage helps you enjoy the dish again without losing its creamy and spicy appeal.
Kitchen Tools for Bicol Express
Preparing Bicol Express is simple and requires no complicated equipment. With just a few essentials, you can cook this creamy and spicy dish with ease, giving you the confidence to try this recipe at home.
Kitchen tools you need:
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Cooking pot or deep pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
Pork Bicol Express FAQ:
Use pork belly for a rich and flavorful dish, but you can also use pork shoulder or leaner cuts if you want less fat.
It depends on how many chilies you add. You can adjust the spice level by using fewer or milder peppers if you prefer a lighter heat.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently to keep the coconut milk creamy.
A Spicy Classic to Enjoy Anytime
This Pork Bicol Express recipe brings together spice, creaminess, and comfort in one dish. It is a Filipino classic that represents the bold flavors of the Bicol region and continues to win hearts across the country. Serve it with rice, enjoy it with family, and keep these tips in mind for safe cooking and storage. With the right kitchen equipment and careful preparation, this recipe will always be a reliable go-to meal whenever you want a flavorful Filipino dish.
Perfect Filipino Dishes to Pair with Pork Bicol Express
If you want to level up your meal, here are some Filipino dishes that pair beautifully with Pork Bicol Express:
- Pinakbet – A healthy vegetable dish that balances the rich and spicy flavors.
- Lumpiang Shanghai – Crispy spring rolls that add crunch to every bite.
- Daing na Bangus – Light and crispy fish that complements the creamy coconut sauce.
- Laing – A Bicolano classic with taro leaves in coconut milk, perfect for a double dose of flavor.
- Sinangag or Garlic Fried Rice – A must-have to soak up the spicy and savory sauce.
Together, these dishes create a hearty Filipino feast that makes Pork Bicol Express even more enjoyable.
Another great recipe I highly recommend because it is so delicious. We made this many times now since I fist discovered this recipe on Google search. Thank you so much PinoyRecipe At iba pa team!