Craving a hearty, comforting soup that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Beef Bulalo, a classic Filipino dish renowned for its rich, savory broth and tender beef shanks. This recipe simplifies the traditional method, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Get ready to experience a taste of home with this incredibly satisfying and easy-to-follow Beef Bulalo recipe. This dish is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to Filipino culinary heritage.
[Placeholder Image of Beef Bulalo]
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need and how long it will take to create this delightful dish. We’ve designed this recipe to be straightforward and enjoyable, even if you’re new to cooking Filipino cuisine. Beef Bulalo is a true comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply need a warm, fulfilling meal.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (estimated)
Please note that the following is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g
Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Bulalo
Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this flavorful Beef Bulalo. We’ve included common substitutions where possible, so feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Remember, the key to a great Bulalo is high-quality beef and fresh vegetables. The rich marrow from the beef bones is what gives the broth its incredible depth of flavor. This Beef Bulalo recipe is designed to be flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to create your own unique twist. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the authentic taste of Beef Bulalo.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Shanks (with marrow) | 2-3 lbs | Look for thick shanks with plenty of marrow. Oxtail can be added for extra flavor. |
| Water | 10-12 cups | Enough to cover the beef shanks generously. |
| Onion | 1 large, quartered | Yellow or white onion will work. |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, peeled and sliced | Adds a warm, subtle spice. |
| Beef Broth Cubes | 2-3 cubes | Optional, but enhances the beef flavor. Adjust to taste. |
| Salt | To taste | Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed. |
| Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon | Adds a subtle pepper kick. |
| Corn on the Cob | 2-3 ears, cut into 2-inch pieces | Provides sweetness and texture. |
| Potatoes | 2-3 medium, peeled and quartered | Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. |
| Cabbage | 1/2 head, quartered | Adds a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. |
| String Beans (Green Beans) | 1 cup, trimmed | Adds a fresh, vibrant touch. |
| Bok Choy (or Pechay) | 1 bunch, separated into leaves | A leafy green that adds a mild, slightly bitter flavor. |
| Fish Sauce (Patis) | To taste | Adds a salty, umami flavor. Use sparingly. |
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Beef Bulalo. Each step is designed to be easy to understand and execute, even for beginner cooks. The key to a perfect Bulalo is patience; allowing the beef to simmer slowly will result in incredibly tender meat and a rich, flavorful broth. This Beef Bulalo recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
- Prepare the Beef: Thoroughly wash the beef shanks under cold running water. This helps remove any bone fragments or impurities. Place the beef shanks in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add Aromatics: Add the quartered onion, sliced ginger, and black peppercorns to the pot. These aromatics will infuse the broth with their delightful flavors.
- Simmer the Beef: Pour in 10-12 cups of water, ensuring the beef shanks are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls off the bone. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface during the simmering process to maintain a clear broth.
- Add Beef Broth Cubes (Optional): If using beef broth cubes, add them to the pot during the last hour of simmering. This will enhance the beef flavor of the broth.
- Add Potatoes and Corn: After the beef has simmered for 2.5 to 3 hours, add the quartered potatoes and corn on the cob pieces to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cabbage and String Beans: Next, add the quartered cabbage and trimmed string beans to the pot. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is slightly softened but still retains some crispness.
- Add Bok Choy (or Pechay): Finally, add the bok choy (or pechay) leaves to the pot. Simmer for just 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted but still vibrant green.
- Season to Taste: Season the Beef Bulalo with salt and fish sauce (patis) to taste. Start with a small amount of fish sauce and gradually add more until you achieve the desired level of saltiness and umami flavor. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Beef Bulalo into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a generous portion of beef shanks, vegetables, and broth. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Beef Bulalo is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- With Rice: Serve with a side of steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
- With Fish Sauce and Chili: Offer a small dish of fish sauce with chopped chili peppers for those who prefer an extra kick of spice.
- With Calamansi: A squeeze of calamansi (Filipino lime) adds a bright, citrusy note to the soup.
- As a Complete Meal: Beef Bulalo is a hearty and complete meal on its own, providing protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.
This Beef Bulalo recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Philippines into your home. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables makes it a truly satisfying and comforting dish. Remember to adjust the seasonings and vegetables to your liking to create your own unique version of this classic Filipino soup. Enjoy!
Tips and Notes for the Best Beef Bulalo:
- Use High-Quality Beef: The quality of the beef shanks will significantly impact the flavor of the Bulalo. Look for shanks with plenty of marrow, as this is where much of the flavor comes from.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering Process: The longer you simmer the beef, the more tender it will become and the more flavorful the broth will be. Aim for at least 2.5 to 3 hours of simmering.
- Skim off the Scum: As the beef simmers, scum will rise to the surface. Skim this off regularly to maintain a clear and clean-tasting broth.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking: Taste the broth frequently during the cooking process and adjust the seasoning (salt and fish sauce) to your liking.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Bulalo, such as carrots, celery, or green papaya.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier version, add a few Thai chili peppers or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the pot.
- Storage: Leftover Beef Bulalo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Beef Bulalo can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
We hope you enjoy this Beef Bulalo recipe as much as we do! It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
