Bicol Express-Style Spicy Pork Stew with Coconut Milk
A rich and spicy Filipino pork stew simmered in creamy coconut milk with fiery chili peppers and shrimp paste. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes pairs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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 480 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 pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
- 4 medium red chili peppers, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- to taste salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped medium onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb pork belly cubes and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork starts to brown and render some fat.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp shrimp paste and 4 sliced medium red chili peppers, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Season with salt to taste and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until sauce coats the pork well.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bicol Express-Style Spicy Pork Stew with Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Pork Stew with Coconut Milk?
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 coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bicol Express-Style Spicy Pork Stew with Coconut Milk?
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 Pork Stew with Coconut Milk 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 Pork Stew with Coconut Milk?
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.
