Learn how to make Bicol Express, a traditional Filipino dish bursting with flavor! This spicy delicacy features tender pork, shrimp, or fish cooked in rich coconut milk, infused with fiery chili peppers, and balanced with the savory notes of shrimp paste. Perfect for those who love bold, exotic flavors!

Here's a recipe for Bicol Express:

Ingredients:

  - 500g pork belly, thinly sliced

  - 1 cup coconut milk

  - 1 onion, chopped

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 tablespoons shrimp paste

  - 4-6 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)

  - 1 tablespoon cooking oil

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

2- Add pork belly slices and cook until lightly browned.

3- Stir in shrimp paste and cook for another minute.

4- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until pork is tender, about 30-40 minutes.

5- Add sliced chili peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.

6- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7- Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the spicy and creamy flavors of Bicol Express!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients in the Bicol Express recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used:

Pork belly (500g):

  - Calories: 1340

  - Protein: 59g

  - Fat: 120g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: While high in fat, pork belly also contains protein, vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and minerals like iron and zinc. It's important to consume pork belly in moderation due to its high fat content.

Coconut milk (1 cup):

  - Calories: 552

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 57g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

benefits: Rich in healthy fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut milk may support heart health, improve digestion, and provide a source of energy.

Onion:

  - Calories: 44

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and dietary fiber. They may help improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.

Garlic (4 cloves):

  - Calories: 18

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits: Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds like allicin that may help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Shrimp paste (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 80

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

benefits: While high in sodium, shrimp paste is also a source of protein and vitamins B6 and B12. It can add flavor to dishes but should be used in moderation due to its salt content.

Red chili peppers (4-6 peppers):

  - Calories: 20-30

  - Protein: 1-2g

  - Fat: 0-1g

  - Carbohydrates: 4-6g

benefits: Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and provide pain relief. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C.

  - Cooking oil (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 120

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: The type of cooking oil used can impact health. Healthier options like olive oil or coconut oil can provide beneficial fats and antioxidants, while oils high in unhealthy fats, like palm oil, should be used sparingly.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.