Bicol Express recipes bring together the creamy taste of coconut milk, the savory depth of shrimp paste, and the bold heat of chili peppers. This collection features six flavorful versions, including pork, seafood, chicken, beef, and mussels. Each dish highlights the rich and spicy flavor that makes Bicol Express recipes a favorite among Filipino comfort foods.
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Published: 11/10/25
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These Bicol Express Recipes best represent the rich and lively flavors of Filipino cooking. It is creamy, spicy, and always comforting. The mix of coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chili makes every bite full of flavor. The sauce is smooth and slightly sweet from the coconut, while the chili adds the right amount of heat.
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The beauty of Bicol Express is in its simplicity. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from home. Coconut milk brings creaminess, shrimp paste gives that savory depth, and chili ties everything together. Once the sauce starts to simmer, the aroma fills the kitchen and instantly makes you hungry.
This dish is also known for being flexible. You can use pork, chicken, beef, fish, or seafood. You can make it extra spicy or keep it mild. Some versions have thick sauce, while others stay a bit lighter. No matter how you prepare it, the result is always creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Bicol Express is the kind of food that fits any table. It is perfect with rice, but it can also be served as pulutan when sharing food with friends. Each version tells a story of how Filipinos enjoy comfort food that excites the appetite and brings people together.
Classic Bicol Express Recipes That You Must Try
Classic Pork Bicol Express
The classic version that made this dish famous. Pork belly is simmered in coconut milk with shrimp paste, garlic, onion, and chili until the meat becomes tender and the sauce rich and creamy. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of spice and flavor.
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Seafood Bicol Express
A light and flavorful variation that uses shrimp, squid, and mussels. The seafood absorbs the creamy coconut sauce beautifully. The shrimp paste adds savoriness, and the chili keeps the flavor lively. This version is great for anyone who enjoys seafood but still wants that rich and spicy taste.
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Tahong Bicol Express
This version gives Bicol Express a refreshing seafood touch. Fresh mussels cook in coconut milk with shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, and chili until the sauce turns thick and flavorful. The mussels bring their natural sweetness, which blends nicely with the spicy and creamy sauce. It tastes great with steamed rice and also makes an excellent pulutan for get-togethers.
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Chicken Gizzard Bicol Express
A flavorful twist to the classic dish by using tender chicken gizzards simmered in creamy coconut milk with shrimp paste and chili. The gizzards soak up the rich, spicy sauce while adding a pleasant chewiness that makes every bite satisfying.
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Bangus Bicol Express
Milkfish brings a tender and mild flavor to this dish. The bangus pieces soak up the coconut milk and chili, creating a soft texture with bold taste. It is lighter than pork but still has the same satisfying richness.
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Beef Bicol Express
Beef makes this version hearty and bold. Slow cooking in coconut milk softens the meat and thickens the sauce into a creamy layer of flavor. The shrimp paste and chili give it a deep and slightly smoky taste that goes perfectly with plain rice.
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Chicken Bicol Express
A lighter and quicker version of the classic dish. Boneless chicken pieces simmer in coconut milk with shrimp paste and chili until the sauce becomes thick and flavorful. It has the same creamy and spicy taste that makes Bicol Express special but feels less heavy, making it perfect for everyday meals.
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How to Enjoy Bicol Express
Each version of Bicol Express goes best with hot steamed rice. The creaminess and spice blend nicely with rice, creating a comforting meal that fills you up.
Thicker versions also make great pulutan. The creamy and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with cold drinks and friendly conversation. It is one of those dishes that taste even better when shared.
Each version, from pork to seafood, has its own personality. The creamy sauce ties them all together, creating something that feels familiar and new at the same time. Cooking it at home fills the kitchen with the aroma of garlic, chili, and coconut milk, a smell that always makes you look forward to eating.