Craving a heartwarming and flavorful Filipino dish? Look no further than Fish Bulalo, a delightful twist on the classic Bulalo recipe. This comforting soup, brimming with tender fish, rich bone broth, and an array of fresh vegetables, is perfect for a cozy night in or a special family gathering. Get ready to experience a taste of the Philippines with this easy-to-follow recipe, designed for even the most novice cooks! We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your Fish Bulalo is a resounding success.
Our Fish Bulalo recipe offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative to the traditional beef version. This means less cooking time without compromising on flavor. The succulent fish adds a unique dimension, making it a truly special dish.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate): Calories: 250-300, Protein: 25g, Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 15g. *Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients used.*
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish (Snapper, Lapu-Lapu, or your preferred firm white fish), filleted and cut into 2-inch pieces | 1.5 lbs |
| Bone-in marrow bones (beef or pork, optional for extra richness) | 2 lbs |
| Water | 8 cups |
| Cabbage, chopped | 1 medium head |
| Potatoes, peeled and quartered | 3 medium |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 2 large |
| Corn on the cob, cut into 2-inch pieces | 2 ears |
| String beans, trimmed and halved | 1 cup |
| Onions, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| Fish sauce (optional, to enhance flavor) | 1-2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the bone-in marrow bones (if using) and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the broth is rich and flavorful. Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface will keep your Fish Bulalo clear and delicious.
- While the broth simmers, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cabbage, peel and quarter the potatoes, peel and slice the carrots, and cut the corn on the cob into pieces. This step is great for doing while the broth is simmering, making your process much more efficient.
- Once the broth has simmered, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until fragrant. The aroma of garlic and ginger will permeate the broth, adding wonderful depth to your Fish Bulalo.
- Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender. This allows the potatoes and carrots to absorb the rich flavors of the broth.
- Add the cabbage, corn, and string beans. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don’t overcook the vegetables or they might become mushy.
- Carefully add the fish fillets to the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot; this helps ensure the fish cooks evenly and remains flaky. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking the fish will make it dry, so keep a close eye on it!
- Season the Fish Bulalo with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using) to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Serve the Fish Bulalo hot, directly from the pot. This is a great dish to serve directly from the pot, adding to the cozy ambiance.
This Fish Bulalo is best enjoyed hot and fresh, allowing you to savor the rich and savory flavors. The tender fish combined with the hearty broth and fresh vegetables makes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and nutrients. The Fish Bulalo recipe is a flexible one: don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables or fish according to your tastes and what’s available.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special touch, serve your Fish Bulalo with a side of steamed rice or pan de sal (Filipino bread rolls). The rice is a perfect complement to the rich broth and allows you to soak up every last drop. Garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for an added freshness. A squeeze of calamansi (Philippine lime) adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the Fish Bulalo.
Notes and Tips
- For a richer broth, you can add beef or pork marrow bones to the soup. The marrow adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of vegetables to your liking. Add more or fewer depending on preference.
- If you don’t have fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute.
- To make your Fish Bulalo ahead of time, prepare the broth a day earlier and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add the fish and vegetables and simmer until cooked through.
- This recipe is easily adaptable: experiment with different types of fish, vegetables, and herbs to create your own unique version of Fish Bulalo.
Enjoy this delicious and nourishing Fish Bulalo! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Remember to share your culinary creation with friends and family – it’s a taste of home that everyone will adore. The Fish Bulalo is a versatile dish and a testament to the richness and heartiness of Filipino cuisine. This simple, yet elegant recipe, allows you to share a taste of the Philippines with everyone around your table. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you!
