How to Master the Art of Preparing the Exquisite Bicol Express- A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Prepare Bicol Express
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish that originates from the Bicol region in the southern part of the Philippines. It is a flavorful and spicy noodle soup that is made with beef or chicken, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices. If you’re interested in learning how to prepare this delicious dish, follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Bicol Express at home.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) of beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of rice noodles or thin noodles
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup of tomatoes, chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of bagoong (fermented fish paste)
– 1 teaspoon of bagoong alamang (fermented shrimp paste)
– 1 teaspoon of annatto powder (for color)
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
1.
Boil the noodles:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2.
Prepare the meat:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the beef or chicken pieces and boil for about 10 minutes to remove any impurities. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3.
Sauté the onions and garlic:
In a large pot or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they are golden brown.
4.
Add the vegetables:
Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
5.
Season the meat:
Add the boiled beef or chicken pieces to the pot. Season with soy sauce, fish sauce, ground black pepper, bagoong, bagoong alamang, and annatto powder. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.
Add the coconut milk:
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7.
Serve:
Once the Bicol Express is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or spring onions, and enjoy your homemade Bicol Express!
By following these simple steps, you can now prepare a delicious and authentic Bicol Express that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!
