Bulalo Recipe (Filipino Beef Shank Soup)
Beef shank and marrow bones with vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Servings 8
Calories 342kcal
Cost $25-$30
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef shank (mix of bone-in and boneless)
- 2 thumb-size ginger sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 6 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 teaspoons beef base or bouillon
- 2 large potatoes cut into large chunks
- 2 ears of corn cut into pieces
- 1 bunch green beans trimmed
- ½ head of cabbage cut into pieces
- 1 bunch bok choy cut in half, if large
- 8 cups water more as needed
- Cilantro stems optional
- Fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste
- Neutral oil
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides, then set aside.
- Lightly brown the ginger. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add beef and 8 cups water, or enough to cover. Bring to a boil, spooning off the foam as it rises.
- Add beef base or bouillon, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low for 2 to 2½ hours, until tender. Add more water as needed, then season with fish sauce, salt, or pepper.
- Add potatoes and corn. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add green beans and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add bok choy, napa cabbage, and cilantro stems (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Serve with fish sauce and calamansi on the side.
Video
Notes
- Beef: Use beef shank and marrow bones. I like both bone-in and boneless pieces for meat and flavor.
- Vegetables: I used potatoes, corn, green beans, napa cabbage, and bok choy. Use pechay, spinach, carrots, or cabbage if you like.
- Cilantro stems: Optional, but they add a fresh, clean flavor.
- Cook the beef until very tender.
- Spoon off the foam early for a clearer broth.
- Add more water as needed to keep enough broth.
- Add the vegetables in stages so they don’t get too soft.
Nutrition
Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 828mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3mg