AMPALAYA BICOL EXPRESS

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs reduce fat while maintaining flavor.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk lowers calories, while evaporated milk is more accessible.

shrimp paste

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: fish sauce

Soy sauce is lower in calories and easier to find.

green chili

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: jalapeño

Bell pepper offers sweetness without heat.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add diced pork belly and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.

Add shrimp paste, soy sauce, and sugar; stir well to combine.

Incorporate sliced ampalaya and green chili; cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.

Season with black pepper and lime juice to taste.

Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary