Bangus Bicol Categorical – Panlasang Pinoy

May 17, 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 wish to use pork. I needed 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 wish to use pork. I needed one thing lighter, one thing totally different.

Bangus Bicol Categorical – Panlasang Pinoy

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 a substitute of pork? I gave it a shot, and to my shock, it turned out means higher than I anticipated.

This was my first time attempting 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. If you happen to love Bicol Categorical however desire a seafood different, this Bangus Bicol Categorical recipe would possibly 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 swap issues up by utilizing bangus (milkfish) stomach as a substitute of pork. Bangus is the nationwide fish of the Philippines, and its stomach is particularly beloved for being tender and fatty—excellent for absorbing sauces.

Bangus Bicol Express served with steamed rice on a plate

Bangus Bicol Categorical is all the pieces you’re keen on in regards to the authentic 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 long-lasting 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 flippantly 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’ll be able to modify the quantity primarily based in your spice choice.
3 lengthy inexperienced peppers – These milder chilies add colour 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 – A must have 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 substances come collectively to kind a dish that’s daring, creamy, and actually comforting.

Methods to Prepare dinner Bangus Bicol Categorical

I made this dish in just below half-hour, and the steps had been easy. 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 up.
Flippantly Coat and Fry
Whereas the fish is resting, warmth oil in a pan. Dredge every 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
Maintain 3 tablespoons of oil in the identical pan. Sauté onions for a minute, add garlic and cook 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 cook dinner for 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk, carry 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 sizzling 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 that may assist you to too:

Use Boneless Bangus Stomach
This makes preparation and consuming means simpler. Bangus has a lot of positive bones, and boneless stomach cuts are a fantastic shortcut.

Regulate the Spice
Three Thai chilies gave it a medium warmth degree. Regulate in response to your spice tolerance—or take away the seeds in order for you it milder.

Don’t Skip Frying the Fish
Frying offers the bangus a crispy texture that holds up fantastically 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. Gentle coconut milk simply received’t ship the identical creamy consequence.

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

Let It Sit Earlier than Serving
If you happen to can wait a couple of minutes earlier than serving, you’ll discover the flavors turn out to be much more pronounced because the sauce settles.

What to Have with Bangus Bicol Categorical

Bangus Bicol Categorical is daring, so it pairs finest with less complicated sides that stability out the richness. Listed below are my high ideas:

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 supplies a refreshing distinction to the creamy sauce.

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

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

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

If you happen to’re attempting to chop again on purple meat or simply wish to discover extra Filipino recipes, this dish is value attempting. It’s simple to make, full of taste, and positively one thing I’ll be cooking once more quickly.

So subsequent time you’re craving Bicol Categorical however wish to skip the pork—give this model a go. You would possibly 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? If you happen to snap a photograph, please make sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we are able to see your creations!