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There’s something truly enchanting about the bubbling of a pot infused with savory aromas, and when it’s Bulalo, you know you’re in for a treat. This Filipino Beef Shank Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening or a soothing balm after a long day. As I let the tender beef shank simmer slowly, enriching the clear broth with its deep, comforting flavors, I’m reminded of the joy this dish brings to family gatherings and shared moments around the table.

The simplicity of its ingredients—from sweetcorn to fresh vegetables—creates a beautiful harmony that celebrates Filipino cuisine. I love how each spoonful offers a delightful taste of home and community. Join me in rediscovering Bulalo, the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors with heartwarming nostalgia. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just learning the ropes, this recipe will elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your loved ones with its irresistible goodness. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why is Filipino Bulalo a must-try?

Comforting and Hearty: This Filipino Bulalo is ideal for chilly evenings, enveloping you in its warm embrace.
Simple Ingredients: With only a handful of easily accessible ingredients, creating this masterpiece is a breeze.
Rich, Flavorful Broth: The meticulous slow-cooking process ensures a clear broth bursting with comforting flavors that will delight every palate.
Versatile for All Occasions: Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home, this dish invites togetherness and good conversation.
Healthful and Nourishing: Packed with protein and essential vitamins, it’s as nutritious as it is delightful.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Filipino Bulalo Ingredients

For the Broth

Beef Shank with Bone Marrow – This is the star of the show, offering a rich and savory flavor that is essential for your Filipino Bulalo.
Medium White Onion – Enhances the overall depth of the broth; yellow onion can serve as a handy substitute.
Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic brings aromatic notes to the mix, elevating the soup’s character.
Whole Black Peppercorns – Provides warm spice; if you’re in a pinch, ground black pepper will work too.
Bay Leaves – Infuse the broth with herbal goodness; remember to remove them before serving.
Fish Sauce (Patis) – This adds a savory umami depth to the broth; soy sauce can be used in a hurry, but flavors will vary.
Sea Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors; adjust as needed.

For the Vegetables

Sweetcorn Cobs – Contributes a pop of sweetness; both fresh and frozen are delightful.
Potatoes – These add a hearty texture; feel free to swap with sweet potatoes if you want a twist.
Carrots – Provide a balancing crunch; parsnips can be a creative alternative here.
Green Cabbage and Pak Choi – Bring freshness and color, and other leafy greens can easily fit in based on your pantry.

Base

Water – Fresh water is critical as it forms the clear and flavorful broth foundation.

How to Make Filipino Bulalo

Rinse the beef shank under cold water; pat dry afterward to ensure a clean start. This step helps remove any impurities that may cloud your broth.
Boil the beef in a large pot filled with water for 10 minutes; then discard the water and rinse the beef again. This process allows you to achieve a clearer broth.
Return the beef to the pot, adding fresh water, onion, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Skim off any foam that rises to the top during simmering to maintain a clear broth; add more water if necessary to keep the ingredients covered.
Season the broth with fish sauce and sea salt, tasting as you go to achieve your desired flavor. The fish sauce adds a savory kick that elevates the entire dish.
Add the potatoes, sweetcorn, and carrots to the pot, then cover and simmer for an additional 20 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soak in the broth’s flavors as they cook.
Stir in the green cabbage and pak choi, cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender and vibrant in color. Avoid overcooking to keep that delightful crunch.
Adjust the seasoning one last time, ladle the Bulalo into bowls, and serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed rice to complete the experience.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of calamansi for added brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Filipino Bulalo

Fridge: Store leftover Filipino Bulalo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This preserves the soup’s flavors and keeps it fresh for your next meal.

Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the Bulalo in a safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the vegetables. If separates, stir to reincorporate the broth and ingredients.

Avoiding Spoilage: Always ensure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing tightly for storage, keeping flavor intact while preventing spoilage.

Expert Tips for Filipino Bulalo

Skim Regularly: Keeping your broth clear means skimming off foam that rises while simmering. This preserves the beautiful clarity of your Filipino Bulalo.
Avoid Overcooking: Vegetables should remain bright and slightly crunchy, so add them to the pot in stages and check for doneness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and vegetables enhance the flavor immensely; this is essential for a delicious Bulalo.
Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning gradually, especially with fish sauce, to ensure the richness of flavors reflects your personal preference.
Let It Rest: Letting Bulalo sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld even more, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Consider Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap in seasonal vegetables or different types of greens based on availability—the essence of Bulalo remains deliciously intact!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Filipino Bulalo ahead of time can save you precious moments in the kitchen! You can easily pre-cook the beef shank and broth up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial boiling and simmering instructions, then allow the broth to cool completely before refrigerating. To maintain quality, store the cooled broth and beef in an airtight container, and avoid adding vegetables until you’re ready to serve, as they can become too soft. When you’re set to enjoy your savory bulbous delight, just reheat the broth, add the vegetables, and simmer until tender. This makes it not only convenient but just as delicious as if it were made fresh!

Filipino Bulalo Variations

Feel free to explore these exciting twists that will make your Filipino Bulalo even more delightful!

Vegetarian: Substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a hearty, plant-based delight.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during cooking for a warming hint of heat that enhances the flavors.
Root Veggie Twist: Try using parsnips or turnips for a different taste while maintaining that comforting texture. These additions keep the dish hearty and delicious.
Corn Variant: Swap sweetcorn with fresh or frozen corn kernels; they will burst with sweetness and add a lovely crunch.
Coconut Infusion: Stir in a can of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy, tropical touch that elevates the dish.
Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh cilantro or dill right before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a touch of freshness to your bowl.
Rice Noodle Addition: Introduce rice noodles to the mix during the last few minutes of cooking for a heartier, noodle-style soup.
Sour Enhancement: A splash of tamarind or calamansi juice before serving brings a tangy kick that beautifully balances the rich broth.

Experiment with these variations to create your own owner unique bowl of Bulalo!

What to Serve with Filipino Bulalo?

There’s something special about pairing this comforting bowl of hearty soup with the right accompaniments to create a memorable meal experience.

Steamed Rice: The classic side that soaks up the savory broth, helping you enjoy every delicious drop of the Bulalo.
Fresh Lumpia: These savory spring rolls add a refreshing crunch and contrast beautifully with the rich, warm flavors of the soup.
Pickled Vegetables: Some tart and crunchy pickled veggies provide a delightful contrast to the richness, balancing your palate with each bite.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infusing the rice with garlic enhances the flavor, making each spoonful a tasty accompaniment to the comforting broth.
Calamansi Juice: A squeeze of this citrus adds a zesty kick to the soup, brightening the overall dish while honoring Filipino traditions.
Banana Chips: For a fun twist, these crispy snacks provide an unexpected sweetness, creating a delicious contrast with the savory soup.

Pairing these dishes with your Filipino Bulalo will enhance the meal, inviting warmth and togetherness at the dining table. Enjoy creating and sharing these delightful combinations!

Filipino Bulalo Recipe FAQs

What type of beef should I select for Bulalo?
I recommend using beef shank with bone marrow primarily because it provides a rich and savory depth that is essential for an authentic Filipino Bulalo. Look for shanks with good marbling and visible marrow; this will enhance the flavor of your broth significantly. If unavailable, oxtail can serve as a delicious alternative, but do note that it tends to give a richer flavor.

How should I store leftover Bulalo?
For best results, store any leftover Filipino Bulalo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to preserve flavor and prevent spoilage. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option! Just pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and it will keep for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze Bulalo? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Filipino Bulalo, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. Aim for flat containers so they stack easily. It can be stored for up to 2 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before gently reheating on the stove. If the broth separates while reheating, simply stir it back together to restore its lovely consistency.

What should I do if my Bulalo broth is cloudy?
If your broth turns cloudy, don’t worry! This can happen from impurities or foam that rises during simmering. To keep your broth clear, make sure you skim off the foam as it forms in the pot. Also, the initial boiling step—where you boil the beef for 10 minutes and discard that water—helps remove impurities that would cloud your broth. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, clear soup!

Are there any dietary considerations when making Bulalo?
Indeed! The main ingredient, beef shank, is rich in nutrients but may not be suitable for those who follow a vegetarian diet or have beef allergies. For a plant-based version, you can whip up a delightful Bulalo using vegetable stock paired with mushrooms and hearty root vegetables to mimic that deep flavor. Always check labels on sauces, like fish sauce, for allergens, and you can substitute those ingredients based on dietary needs as necessary.

How long should I simmer Bulalo for the best flavor?
To achieve the best flavor and tenderness in your Filipino Bulalo, simmer it gently for 2 to 2.5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the beef shank to become tender while developing a rich, savory broth. Regularly check the pot, ensuring it’s simmering gently, and add water if necessary to maintain a consistent level. This way, you’ll create a comforting dish that everyone will love!