Imagine a dish so rich, so tender, and so deeply satisfying that it instantly transports you to the heart of the Philippines with just one spoonful. Bulalo is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines succulent beef shank, hearty vegetables, and a bone broth so flavorful it will make your taste buds dance with joy. This legendary Filipino comfort food is more than just a recipe – it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to comfort, nourish, and create memories with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef shank
- 10 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 corn on the cob, cut into pieces
- 2 potatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef shank by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
- Place the beef shank in a large pot and add 10 cups of water, ensuring the meat is completely submerged.
- Add the quartered onion to the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a slotted spoon.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for approximately
- 5 to 3 hours, or until the beef shank becomes extremely tender and starts to fall off the bone.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add the corn on the cob pieces and quartered potatoes to the pot.
- In the final 5-10 minutes of cooking, add the chopped cabbage to maintain its crisp texture.
- Remove the beef shank and vegetables carefully onto a serving platter.
- Ladle the hot broth over the meat and vegetables, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of liquid.
- Serve hot, traditionally accompanied with steamed rice and fish sauce (patis) on the side.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Select beef shanks with plenty of marrow for the richest, most flavorful broth.
- Slow and low is the way to go: Patience is key in creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef shank. Don't rush the cooking process.
- Skimming matters: Regularly remove foam and impurities during the initial boiling to ensure a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Keep vegetables crisp: Add softer vegetables like cabbage in the last few minutes to maintain their texture and freshness.
- Enhance the flavor: Consider adding a few whole peppercorns or a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth.
- Serving suggestion: Accompany with steamed rice and fish sauce (patis) on the side for an authentic Filipino dining experience.
- Make ahead tip: Bulalo tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 276kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
