Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry
A spicy Filipino pork stir-fry simmered in creamy coconut milk, chili, and shrimp paste, delivering layers of heat and umami. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork belly, coconut milk, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork belly
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
- 3, sliced red chili peppers
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium chopped onion, sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork belly to the pan and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until pork starts to brown and edges become crisp.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp shrimp paste and 3 sliced red chili peppers, cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and pork is tender.
- Step 5: Season with salt and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to taste, then serve hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced pork belly from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bicol Express-Style Spicy Coconut Pork Stir-Fry?
Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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