Bangus Bicol Categorical – Panlasang Pinoy

May 16, 2025

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It was a kind of days when I discovered myself craving Bicol Categorical. There’s one thing in regards to the creamy coconut milk, the warmth of chilies, and the unmistakable taste of shrimp paste that makes it an all-time Filipino favourite. However this time, I didn’t need to use pork. I wished one thing lighter, one thing totally different. Then I…

By: Vanjo Merano
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Printed: 5/15/25

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It was a kind of days when I discovered myself craving Bicol Categorical. There’s one thing in regards to the creamy coconut milk, the warmth of chilies, and the unmistakable taste of shrimp paste that makes it an all-time Filipino favourite. However this time, I didn’t need to use pork. I wished one thing lighter, one thing totally different.

Then I remembered I had frozen boneless bangus stomach sitting in my freezer. That was the lightbulb second—what if I made Bicol Categorical with bangus as an alternative of pork? I gave it a shot, and to my shock, it turned out manner higher than I anticipated.

This was my first time making an attempt this recipe, and now it’s one thing I do know I’ll be making once more. The bangus stomach was wealthy and tender, completely absorbing the creamy, spicy sauce with out being too heavy. In the event you love Bicol Categorical however need a seafood various, this Bangus Bicol Categorical recipe may simply be your subsequent favourite dish.

What’s Bangus Bicol Categorical?

Historically, Bicol Categorical is a spicy, creamy dish made with pork, coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chilies. It hails from the Bicol area of the Philippines, recognized for its love of fiery and wealthy dishes.

On this model, we change issues up by utilizing bangus (milkfish) stomach as an alternative of pork. Bangus is the nationwide fish of the Philippines, and its stomach is particularly cherished for being tender and fatty—good for absorbing sauces.

Bangus Bicol Express served with steamed rice on a plate

Bangus Bicol Categorical is every thing you’re keen on in regards to the unique dish however with a seafood twist. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal that’s satisfying with out being overly heavy.

Ingredients for Bangus Bicol Express including coconut milk, chilies, and boneless bangus belly

Components for Bangus Bicol Categorical

Every ingredient on this dish performs a vital position in creating the enduring taste of Bicol Categorical, with the bangus twist.

3 lbs. bangus stomach – That is the star of the dish. The fatty, tender stomach half absorbs the sauce whereas including a scrumptious richness.
2 cups coconut milk – The bottom of the Bicol Categorical sauce. It provides creaminess and helps mellow the warmth from the chilies.
¾ cup all-purpose flour – Used to evenly coat the bangus for frying, giving it a crispy exterior that holds up within the sauce.
3 Thai chili peppers – For that signature fiery kick. You possibly can modify the quantity based mostly in your spice choice.
3 lengthy inexperienced peppers – These milder chilies add shade and a refined warmth that enhances the Thai chilies.
1 onion, chopped – Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
2 thumbs ginger, minced – Offers the dish a heat, earthy aroma and style.
5 cloves garlic, minced – Important for the savory base taste of the dish.
1 tablespoon shrimp paste – Vital in any Bicol Categorical. It brings umami and saltiness that ties the sauce collectively.
1 cup cooking oil – Used for frying the bangus stomach to crisp perfection.
1 ½ tablespoons salt – For seasoning the fish earlier than frying.
Floor black pepper to style – Balances and enhances the opposite flavors within the sauce.

These easy components come collectively to type a dish that’s daring, creamy, and actually comforting.

Tips on how to Cook dinner Bangus Bicol Categorical

I made this dish in slightly below half-hour, and the steps have been simple. Right here’s how you are able to do it too:

How to Cook Bangus Bicol Express Steps 1 to 4

Put together and Season the Fish
Slice the bangus stomach into parts. Sprinkle with salt and let it relaxation for 3 minutes so the flavors begin to take in.
Calmly Coat and Fry
Whereas the fish is resting, warmth oil in a pan. Dredge each bit in flour for a skinny coating. Fry till golden—about 3 minutes per aspect. Put aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Sauté the Aromatics
Hold 3 tablespoons of oil in the identical pan. Sauté onions for a minute, add garlic and prepare dinner for 30 seconds, then toss within the ginger. Proceed till the onions soften.
Add the Shrimp Paste and Coconut Milk
Stir within the shrimp paste and prepare dinner for 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk, deliver to a boil, then decrease warmth and simmer for 1–2 minutes, coated.
Add the Chilies and Seasoning
Add the Thai and lengthy inexperienced chilies to the sauce. Season with floor black pepper. Stir and let it simmer.
Add the Bangus, Simmer, and Serve
Gently return the fried bangus to the pan. Simmer for about 2 to 2½ minutes so it absorbs the sauce with out dropping its crisp texture. Serve scorching with rice. That’s it!

How to Cook Bangus Bicol Express Steps 5 and 6

Helpful Ideas

This was my first attempt at making this dish, and right here are some things I realized which may show you how to too:

Use Boneless Bangus Stomach
This makes preparation and consuming manner simpler. Bangus has a lot of wonderful bones, and boneless stomach cuts are a terrific shortcut.

Modify the Spice
Three Thai chilies gave it a medium warmth degree. Modify based on your spice tolerance—or take away the seeds if you need it milder.

Don’t Skip Frying the Fish
Frying provides the bangus a crispy texture that holds up superbly within the sauce. It additionally prevents the fish from falling aside when simmering.

Go Full-Fats with Coconut Milk
This dish is all about richness. Mild coconut milk simply received’t ship the identical creamy end result.

Sauté the Shrimp Paste Completely
Cooking the shrimp paste helps mellow its sharp aroma and deepen its taste. Don’t skip this step!

Let It Sit Earlier than Serving
In the event you can wait a couple of minutes earlier than serving, you’ll discover the flavors develop into much more pronounced because the sauce settles.

What to Have with Bangus Bicol Categorical

Bangus Bicol Categorical is daring, so it pairs finest with easier sides that steadiness out the richness. Listed here are my high options:

Steamed White Rice – That is non-negotiable. The rice soaks up that scrumptious sauce and helps tame the warmth.

Atchara (Pickled Papaya) – The candy and bitter tang of atchara gives a refreshing distinction to the creamy sauce.

Iced Tea or Calamansi Juice – Calm down with a refreshing drink. These pair particularly effectively with the spice.

Contemporary Mango Slices – A candy, fruity end that brings every thing collectively. Plus, mangoes are all the time a win in Filipino meals!
This dish began as a easy craving and a little bit of improvisation—and it ended up being probably the most satisfying meals I’ve made shortly. Bangus Bicol Categorical is wealthy, spicy, and comforting, with an ideal steadiness of crispy fish and creamy sauce.

Cooking Bangus Bicol Express in a pan with coconut sauce and peppers

In the event you’re making an attempt to chop again on pink meat or simply need to discover extra Filipino recipes, this dish is price making an attempt. It’s straightforward to make, filled with taste, and undoubtedly one thing I’ll be cooking once more quickly.

So subsequent time you’re craving Bicol Categorical however need to skip the pork—give this model a go. You may simply discover a new favourite.

Have you ever tried making Bicol Categorical with bangus? Let me know the way it turned out within the feedback! And don’t overlook to share this recipe with somebody who loves spicy Filipino meals!

Did you make this? In the event you snap a photograph, please ensure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we will see your creations!