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How to Cook Beef Bicol Express

Beef Bicol Express is a rich and spicy Filipino stew made with tender beef simmered in coconut milk, chilies, and aromatic spices for a bold, comforting dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: beef bicol express, beef ginataan, beef in coconut milk, Bicol express with beef, creamy beef dish, Filipino beef recipe, siling labuyo recipe, spicy beef stew
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 437kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo beef strips
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 3 Tbsp. corn oil
  • 2 pcs red onion chopped
  • 2 pcs large tomatoes chopped
  • 1 inch ginger slice into strips
  • 4 pcs siling labuyo bird's eye chilis, chopped
  • 2 pcs bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. patis or fish sauce
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 pc sweet pepper sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. spring onions chopped

Instructions

How to cook Beef Bicol Express:

  • In a medium size wok, heat oil and saute the beef until slightly brown.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of water and let it boil.
  • Stir then add the ginger, black pepper, tomatoes and siling labuyo.
  • Stir for a few minutes then add about 1 cup water. Add more if necessary.
  • Cover and simmer the beef until tender and the liquid has evaporated to half.
  • Then add onions, bay leaves, patis and coconut milk.
  • Mix the ingredients and simmer again for 30 minutes.
  • Then add the sweet pepper and spring onions. Simmer for a few seconds then serve.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Right Cut of Beef

For the best results, use a cut like beef brisket, chuck, or sirloin that becomes tender with slow cooking. Avoid very lean cuts, as they can turn tough and dry in a simmered dish. Marbling in the meat helps absorb flavors from the spicy coconut sauce.

Control the Heat Level

If you're not used to spicy food, start with fewer siling labuyo and adjust as you go. You can substitute with long green chilies or mix in bell peppers to balance the heat. Removing the seeds from the chilies will also help reduce spiciness without losing flavor.

Let the Flavors Settle
After cooking, allow the dish to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the coconut milk thicken slightly and the flavors deepen. Beef Bicol express actually tastes better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.