Cooking Authentic Bicol Express Without Shrimp Paste – A Guide

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino stew characterized by its creamy, spicy flavor Traditionally, it’s made with pork, coconut milk, chili peppers, and shrimp paste However, many cooks wonder if they can omit the shrimp paste but still achieve an authentic Bicol Express flavor. Here’s a complete guide to making this iconic dish without shrimp paste.

Understanding Bicol Express

Hailing from the Bicol region of the Philippines, Bicol Express gets its name from the spicy heat that hits your taste buds like an express train! It consists of pork cubes cooked in coconut milk and chili peppers.

The key ingredients are

Pork (belly, shoulder, or loin)
Coconut milk/cream
Long green chilies
Shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
Onions, garlic, ginger
Fish sauce or salt for seasoning

The fermented shrimp paste provides a unique umami depth. But some cooks prefer to omit it due to taste, diet restrictions, or limited access.

Can You Make Authentic Bicol Express Without Shrimp Paste?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to make authentic-tasting Bicol Express without the shrimp paste. Here are some tips:

Use good quality, flavorful pork. Opt for fatty cuts like belly or shoulder.
Saute the aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger well to develop the flavor.
Cook the pork until tender and infused with the aromatics.
Use fresh chilies rather than dried or chili powder. This provides bright, fresh heat.
Simmer the stew to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Finish with patis (fish sauce) to provide saltiness and umami.
Garnish with crispy pork rinds and scallions.

With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make a tasty Bicol Express sans shrimp paste.

Alternative Umami Flavor Sources

To mimic the umami punch of shrimp paste, use these flavor boosters:

Dried mushrooms – Soak shiitakes in hot water for 30 mins then use the soaking liquid.
Fish sauce – A few dashes of patis contributes saltiness and depth.
Soy sauce – Use sparingly as soy can overwhelm other flavors.
Anchovy broth – Boil anchovy fillets and use the broth.
Dried seaweed – Soak kombu strips in the coconut milk for added umami.
Cheese – A bit of aged cheddar or parmesan can provide a savory boost.

Balancing the salty, spicy, creamy, and savory elements is key to replicating the complexity of Bicol Express.

Adjusting the Heat Level

One signature characteristic of Bicol Express is the bold spiciness from the chili peppers. To control the heat level:

Use fewer chilies for a milder version.
Opt for smaller finger chilies which tend to be less spicy than long green chilies.
Remove seeds and pith from peppers to reduce heat.
Add chilies gradually and taste as you go to prevent over-spicing.
Garnish with sliced chilies so diners can adjust heat themselves.

The key is balancing the creaminess of coconut milk with the slow burn of chili peppers. Adjust quantities until you achieve the ideal spicy-cool contrast.

Top Tips for Shrimp Paste-Free Bicol Express

Here are some final tips for nailing shrimp paste-free Bicol Express:

Sear pork well to caramelize the exterior. This enhances flavor.
Simmer slowly over low heat to allow flavors to develop fully.
Use fresh young coconuts for thicker, creamier milk. Mature coconuts tend to be watery.
Toast the peppercorns and garlic before blooming in oil. This adds depth.
Finish with a splash of vinegar to brighten flavors.
Garnish with scallions, chili peppers, pork rinds for texture.

Take the time to layer flavors and you can make an authentic tasting Bicol Express without the shrimp paste.

Sample Shrimp Paste-Free Bicol Express Recipe

Ready to try making shrimp paste-free Bicol Express? Here’s a sample recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

500g pork belly, cubed
3 cups coconut milk
10-12 long green chilies, sliced
1 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb ginger, minced
2 tbsp fish sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for cooking
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
In the same wok, saute onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
Add chili peppers and saute for 1 minute more.
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return pork to the wok along with fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
Serve with steamed rice and lime wedges. Enjoy!

With the right techniques and a flavorful pork cut, you can definitely make tasty Bicol Express without shrimp paste. Adjust the recipe to your taste and enjoy this Filipino favorite!

Bicol Express, Without Shrimp Paste, Tastiest and Spiciest!

FAQ

What is a substitute for shrimp paste?

If you are following a recipe that calls for shrimp paste, use this equation: 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste is equivalent to 1 tablespoon fish sauce, Golden Mountain sauce, or vegetarian stir-fry sauce. In a pinch, you can also substitute soy sauce, but you’ll find the dish may taste weak or turn out too dark in color.

What is the meaning of Bicol Express?

Bicol express, known natively in Bikol as sinilihan ( lit. ‘spiced with chili‘), is a popular Filipino dish which was popularized in the district of Malate, Manila but made in traditional Bicolano style.

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.

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.

What is Bicol Express?

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.