Bicol Express

Ingredients

• 1 tbspOil
• 150 gOnion
• 40 gGarlic
• 1000 gPork belly
• 500 gShrimp paste
• 15 pcsChili
• 2 tbspSugar
• 1 tspPepper
• 1 gMonosodium glutamate
• 400 mlCoconut milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Preparation

   • Peel and roughly chop the onion.
   • Separate the garlic head into cloves and mince or press them.
   • Wash the bird's eye chilies; keep whole or halve depending on desired heat.
2. 2

   Sauté

   • Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp oil.
   • Sauté the onion and garlic in the hot oil until soft and fragrant.
   • Add the shrimp paste, chilies and pork belly pieces.
   • Stir-fry until the pork is browned on all sides.
3. 3

   Season

   • Add sugar and black pepper and stir.
   • Optional: add monosodium glutamate to taste.
4. 4

   Simmer

   • Stir in the coconut milk.
   • Reduce heat and simmer until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened (about 20–30 minutes).
   • Adjust seasoning and serve hot.