Vegetarian Bicol Express

Dive into the rich, creamy, and spicy flavors of Vegetarian Bicol Express—a plant-based twist on a cherished Filipino classic! This dish swaps out the traditional pork for golden, tender cubes of tofu, making it ideal for vegetarians and those looking to enjoy a lighter, healthier version without compromising on taste. A luscious coconut milk sauce serves as the heart of the recipe, infused with aromatic garlic, ginger, and sautéed onions. Vibrant slices of bell peppers and a kick of heat from long green chilies bring layers of flavor and spice, perfectly balanced by a touch of soy sauce and brown sugar. Optional bamboo shoots add an earthy crunch, making this dish even more delightful. Ready in just 45 minutes, this Vegetarian Bicol Express pairs beautifully with steamed rice, offering the ultimate comfort food experience with a plant-based upgrade.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 400 grams firm tofu, cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 long green chilies, sliced
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 100 ml water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 100 grams bamboo shoots, sliced (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the cubed tofu and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil.

Step 4

Sauté onions until they are translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add sliced green and red bell peppers, and stir for about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add the sliced long green chilies and the optional bamboo shoots, if using, then cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the coconut milk and water, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Add the fried tofu back into the pan and mix well with the sauce.

Step 11

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 12

Adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1591.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1222.5

Total Fat 62.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3066.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 102.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 56.3g
Protein 77.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2886.5mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 3196.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 24.1%

Carbs: 32.2%