Bicol Express is a type of Filipino stew that makes use of coconut milk and coconut cream. Traditional Bicol Express recipe involves the use of pork as the main ingredient. Fatty pork cuts such as pork belly and pork shoulder are preferred. These are cooked by boiling in coconut milk along with chili peppers and spices. It is categorized as a main dish and is best eaten with a cup of warm white rice.
We cook a lot in the kitchen as you might already know. Bicol Express is one of our favorites. This is a good example of a dish that we make during regular days and special occasions. In fact, it is part of our Noche Buena menu.
Bicol express is a classic Filipino dish that typically consists of pork cooked in coconut milk, chili peppers, and shrimp paste The shrimp paste, known as bagoong, adds a signature salty umami flavor However, it can be difficult to find in some areas. You may also want to avoid it for dietary reasons. But don’t worry – you can still make delicious bicol express without shrimp paste! In this guide, we’ll look at how to make this iconic dish using flavorful alternatives.
What is Bicol Express?
Bicol express originated from the Bicol region of the Philippines It gets its name from the spicy, chili-based sauce that mimics the “express” spiciness of the dish The key ingredients are
-
Pork – Often chicken, beef, or shrimp can also be used. Cubed pork belly is classic.
-
Coconut milk – Adds creamy, fatty richness to balance the spice.
-
Chili peppers – Typically red or green finger chilies provide the heat.
-
Shrimp paste – Provides a savory depth but can be omitted.
-
Onions, garlic, etc. – Aromatic veggies build the flavor base.
Traditionally very spicy, bicol express has a sauce-like gravy with tender protein in an interplay of creamy, spicy, and umami flavors. It’s delicious served over rice!
Can I Make Bicol Express Without Shrimp Paste?
Yes, you can absolutely make tasty bicol express without shrimp paste! Here are some simple tips:
-
Use anchovy fillets or fish sauce – These pungent, fermented fish products provide plenty of umami.
-
Add soy sauce or miso – Good substitutes that contribute savoriness.
-
Increase garlic and onions – Extra allium aromatics help compensate for missing shrimp paste flavor.
-
Cook in flavorful oil – Chili-infused coconut or olive oil builds richness.
-
Season with more pepper – Spice it up with extra chili flakes, powder, or paste for bolder heat.
With a combination of these flavors, you can make shrimp paste-free bicol express full of complex taste. Let’s look closer at replacement options.
Best Substitutes for Shrimp Paste in Bicol Express
Here are some excellent ingredients to use instead of shrimp paste:
Fish Sauce
A spoonful of fish sauce introduces an intense hit of umami with salty, fermented notes similar to shrimp paste. Southeast Asian brands like Tiparos are ideal. Add to taste.
Anchovy Fillets
These salty, small fish provide a burst of savory flavor when sautéed with the aromatics. Melt into the gravy.
Soy Sauce
Go for a full-bodied, aged soy sauce. Add a tablespoon or two once the coconut milk is added so the sauce isn’t too salty.
Miso Paste
Whisk in a bit of white or red miso to provide deep umami without an overly salty flavor.
Dried Mushrooms
Rehydrated shiitake or porcini mushrooms lend earthiness and richness when added to the bicol express.
Tomato Paste
A teaspoon or two of tomato paste gives a subtle sweetness and savoriness. Combine with soy or fish sauce.
Oyster Sauce
Adds notes of oyster essence similar to shrimp paste. Use sparingly to avoid making it too thick.
Tips for Cooking Bicol Express Without Shrimp Paste
Here are some handy tips for maximizing flavor:
-
Saute anchovies, tomato paste, or dried mushrooms into the aromatic base.
-
Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, vinegar, or lemon/lime juice.
-
Use a flavorful oil like chili-infused coconut oil or olive oil.
-
Let it simmer longer to develop a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
-
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
-
Garnish with green onions, chili flakes, or fried garlic bits.
-
Serve over rice with a side of fresh mango or pineapple to balance the spice.
The key is layering the umami flavors through multiple ingredients and techniques. With the right balance, you won’t miss the shrimp paste!
Full Bicol Express Recipe Without Shrimp Paste
Here is a tasty recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, cubed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 6-8 red or green chilies, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tbsp olive or chili oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry pork for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
-
In same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and chilies for 1 minute.
-
Add pork back to pan along with coconut milk, bay leaves, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
-
Simmer for 20-25 minutes until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve over rice and enjoy!
With the right complementary flavors, you won’t miss the shrimp paste one bit. This porky, spicy, saucy dish still packs all the classic bicol express taste.
Final Thoughts
Part of the appeal of bicol express is the harmony of rich coconut milk, tender pork, seasoning, and that savory shrimp paste hit. But don’t let a lack of shrimp paste deter you from making this Filipino favorite. Using anchovies, soy sauce, miso, dried mushrooms and more can provide plenty of umami depth sans shrimp paste. Layer flavors through smart cooking techniques for maximum taste without it. With the right recipe, you can still achieve that iconic bicol express flavor.
How to Cook Bicol Express
Cooking Bicol Express using this recipe is simple and easy. We only need to boil the pork along with the rest of the ingredients in coconut milk. It might not be complicated, but our utmost attention and patience is needed in the process.
The first thing to do is combine coconut milk, onion, ginger, garlic, and pork in a cooking pot. Stir. Note that the stove has not been ignited yet at this point. Turn it on and set to high heat once the ingredients are all in the cooking pot. Let the coconut milk boil, and then adjust the heat to medium. This is the point where we reduce the coconut milk to half. It is important to check and stir the mixture every 7 minutes to prevent lumps from forming. This step brings out the flavors of the other ingredients in the pot and makes the meat more tender at the same time.
The next step is to add all remaining ingredients. This includes coconut cream, chili peppers, and salted shrimp. I also add Knorr Pork Cube in the mix to give it that solid pork flavor. Salted shrimp or balaw provides most of the flavor to Bicol express. A good alternative to it would be bagoong alamang or fermented shrimp paste.
From here on out, all you have to do is keep cooking the food until most of the sauce is gone. “Done” would mean that there is oil in the coconut milk, which was extracted from it.
Can I Cook Bicol Express Without Bagoong Alamang?
We now know that the answer to this question is a big Yes. Use balaw or salted small shrimp instead of fermented shrimp paste. Some of you might be thinking to use patis or bagoong isda. You can try. I do not recommend going that route because the outcome will be different.
Several versions of Bicol Express exist. Each version varies depending on the main ingredient. This recipe post is all about the pork version. Other versions include beef, seafood, and vegetables.
Pork Bicol Express is another version using pork and Ginataan mix. I find this convenient to prepare and it is very tasty.
Seafood Bicol Express is a yummy version that includes shrimp, squid, and mussels. This is quicker to make.
Beef Bicol Express is a version that makes use of beef chuck. This is ideal for people who don’t eat pork or has no access to pork.
Try this Bicol Express Recipe. Let me know what you think.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Bicol Express, Without Shrimp Paste, Tastiest and Spiciest!
How to make Bicol Express?
Bicol Express is a spicy pork stew cooked in coconut milk which is definitely one of the most popular dishes among Filipinos. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the pork for several minutes until lightly browned. Add the garlic and onion and cook until limp and aromatic. Add the shrimp paste and cook for another minute.
How do you cook Bicol Express with pork belly?
This is a guide on how to cook Bicol express using pork belly and balaw or salted shrimp. Combine coconut milk, onion, ginger, garlic, and pork in a cooking pot. Stir. Turn the heat on and let the coconut milk boil. Cover the pot and continue to boil in medium heat until the liquid reduces to half.
What makes Bicol Express a good dish?
This Bicol Express dish has such a great balance of flavors. The chilies add a good amount of heat to the dish while the coconut milk cools it down a bit. The shrimp paste adds the perfect amount of saltiness and a certain depth of flavor.
How do you make Bicol Express spicy?
Use fresh garlic and onion to make the best Bicol express. Add fresh ginger if preferred. Use a generous amount of long green chili pepper (called siling haba in the Philippines). It is generally not spicy and meant to be used as a “vegetable”. To make Bicol Express spicy, add red chilies like Thai chili pepper or siling labuyo.