Ingredients for Chicken Bicol Express
Instructions for Chicken Bicol Express
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
Stir in Bagoong Alamang (Filipino Sautéed Shrimp Paste) and sauté for another minute, allowing the flavours to meld.
Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until it is halfway done, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add red chilies, pepper, and salt. Continue cooking until the chicken fully absorbs the flavours and is cooked through.
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Lower the heat and simmer until the coconut milk thickens, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Add green chilies and cook for an additional minute to infuse their flavour into the dish.
Your Bicol Express is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Directions
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
Stir in Bagoong Alamang (Filipino Sautéed Shrimp Paste) and sauté for another minute, allowing the flavours to meld.
Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until it is halfway done, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add red chilies, pepper, and salt. Continue cooking until the chicken fully absorbs the flavours and is cooked through.
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Lower the heat and simmer until the coconut milk thickens, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Add green chilies and cook for an additional minute to infuse their flavour into the dish.
Your Bicol Express is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Main Ingredients for Chicken Bicol Express
- Oil (Vegetable Oil): Used for sautéing and cooking.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
- Ginger: Adds a strong, spicy flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust, aromatic base.
- Bagoong Alamang (Filipino Sautéed Shrimp Paste): Adds a savory, umami flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: Main protein ingredient, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Thai Red Chillies: Adds spiciness and color.
- Black Pepper Powder: Adds warmth and a mild heat.
- Thick Coconut Milk: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- Long Green Chillies: Adds a milder heat and color.
- Salt: Enhances overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bicol Express pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice. The rich and creamy sauce complements the fluffy texture of the rice, making it an ideal base to soak up all the flavors. Additionally, it can be served alongside a simple vegetable stir-fry or a fresh green salad to balance the spiciness and richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast.
Tips for Chicken Bicol Express
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps prevent burning.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of Thai red chillies or use milder varieties. You can also deseed the chillies to lessen the heat.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh ginger, garlic, and onion are crucial for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced or powdered versions if possible.
- Balance the Shrimp Paste: Bagoong Alamang can be quite salty and pungent. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. If it’s too salty, you can add more coconut milk or a bit of sugar to balance it out.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Sauté until they are just halfway done to prevent overcooking during the simmering process.
- Simmer Low and Slow: When you add the coconut milk, lower the heat and let it simmer gently. This helps to thicken the sauce without curdling the milk.
- Add Green Chillies Last: Adding green chillies towards the end of the cooking process helps retain their flavor and a slight crunch, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Bicol Express is best served hot. The flavors are most vibrant when freshly cooked, and the coconut milk sauce is at its creamiest.
Storage Tips for Chicken Bicol Express
Store the Chicken Bicol Express in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored properly. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
People Also Ask About Chicken Bicol Express
What is Bicol Express made of?
Bicol Express is typically made with diced meat (such as chicken or pork), shrimp paste (Bagoong Alamang), coconut milk, various chilies (like Thai red chilies), garlic, ginger, and sometimes onions.
Why is Bicol Express the best?
Bicol Express is cherished for its bold flavors, combining the richness of coconut milk with the savory umami of shrimp paste and the heat from spicy chilies. Its creamy texture and depth of flavor make it a favorite in Filipino cuisine.
What to pair with Bicol Express?
Bicol Express pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce. It also complements dishes like garlic fried rice or pandesal (Filipino bread rolls). A side of pickled vegetables or a fresh green salad can balance the richness.
What is the cultural significance of Bicol Express?
Bicol Express originates from the Bicol Region in the Philippines, known for its spicy cuisine. It reflects the region’s culinary tradition, incorporating local ingredients like coconut and chilies, and is a source of pride for Bicolanos.
Is Bicol Express healthy?
Bicol Express can be part of a balanced diet, as it includes protein from meat, vitamins and minerals from vegetables like chilies and garlic, and healthy fats from coconut milk. However, moderation is key due to its higher calorie and fat content from coconut milk and shrimp paste.
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