🌺 Filipino Bulalo (Beef Shank Soup)
Warm, Comforting Filipino Bone Marrow Soup
🧡 A Taste of Home
There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of Filipino bulalo. Growing up, this dish was always served during rainy days or family gatherings, filling the home with the rich aroma of slow-simmered beef and bone marrow.
Bulalo is more than just soup — it’s a symbol of warmth, patience, and togetherness. The tender beef, buttery marrow, and naturally sweet broth come together in a way that feels both simple and luxurious.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a taste of home, this recipe will bring that cozy Filipino comfort straight to your table.
⏱️ Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef shank (with bone marrow)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 cups water
- 2 ears corn, cut into chunks
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Beef shank: Choose cuts with visible marrow for rich flavor
- Corn: Adds natural sweetness to the broth
- Cabbage: Traditional, but pechay can also be used
- Fish sauce: Essential for authentic Filipino taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Step 1: Boil the Beef
In a large pot, combine beef shank, onion, and water. Bring to a boil.
👉 Tip: Skim off impurities for a clearer broth.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Lower heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
Step 3: Add Corn and Potatoes
Add corn and potatoes. Cook for 10–15 minutes until soft.
Step 4: Add Cabbage
Add cabbage and cook for 3–5 minutes until just tender.
Step 5: Season
Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot with rice and dipping sauce (patis + calamansi).
🥡 Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
- Freeze: Up to 1 month
- Reheat: Simmer gently to maintain flavor
🔄 Substitutions
- Use pechay instead of cabbage
- Add green beans for variation
- Use pressure cooker to reduce cooking time
💡 Tips for Best Bulalo
✔ Always skim the broth
✔ Simmer low and slow for best flavor
✔ Do not overcook vegetables
✔ Serve immediately while hot
🌈 Variations
- Spicy Bulalo: Add chili peppers
- Garlic Bulalo: Add extra garlic
- Loaded Bulalo: Add more vegetables like carrots
🥗 Nutrition Notes (Approximate)
- Calories: 350–450 per serving
- Protein: High
- Rich in collagen and minerals
❓ FAQ
1. Why is my broth cloudy?
You didn’t skim the impurities during boiling.
2. Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes! Cook for 30–40 minutes.
3. What part of beef is best?
Beef shank with marrow bone.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your bulalo hot with steamed white rice and a side of fish sauce with calamansi. For an authentic Filipino experience, enjoy it family-style — shared, warm, and full of love.
🖨️ PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
Filipino Bulalo
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients:
- Beef shank
- Onion
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Fish sauce
Instructions:
- Boil beef and onion
- Simmer until tender
- Add vegetables
- Season and serve
