If you crave comfort food that warms both your belly and heart, you've found the right spot! Filipino Bulalo Bone Marrow Soup is a rich, hearty dish that brings friends and family together. With its tender beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful broth, it's a meal that fills you with joy. Join me as we explore how to make this delicious soup at home, perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This bulalo recipe offers a warm embrace with every spoonful, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or rainy days.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of beef shank, bone marrow, and fragrant spices creates a deeply satisfying broth that warms your soul.
- Nutrient-Packed: With wholesome ingredients like vegetables and beef, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a soup or serve it with rice and lime for a complete meal, making it adaptable to your dining preferences.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients for Bulalo
- 2 lbs beef shank with bone marrow
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 cup corn on the cob, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 cups Chinese cabbage (bok choy)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- Fresh green onions, finely sliced for garnish
I love using beef shank with bone marrow for bulalo. This cut gives the dish rich flavor. The marrow adds creaminess, making every bite special. You need fresh vegetables too. Potatoes become fluffy, while corn adds sweetness. Chinese cabbage gives a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Aromatics are key to bulalo's taste. Onions, garlic, and ginger create a warm base. They fill your kitchen with a cozy scent. Whole black peppercorns add depth. Fish sauce gives umami, enhancing the broth.
Each ingredient plays a role. Together, they create a comforting soup. This dish warms your soul and fills your belly. Enjoying bulalo is not just about eating; it’s about sharing a moment with loved ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef Base
First, take 2 pounds of beef shank with bone marrow. Place it in a large pot. Pour in 8 cups of water. Turn the heat to high and bring it to a rolling boil. This process helps to release rich flavors.
Once it boils, you will see foam or impurities rise to the top. Use a spoon to skim these off. This step makes your broth clear and clean. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference.
Flavor Infusion
When the broth looks clear, it’s time to add flavor. Add one quartered onion, three minced garlic cloves, and one thinly sliced piece of ginger. Don’t forget the whole black peppercorns! Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Let it cook uncovered for about two hours. This long simmering time makes the beef fork-tender. The broth absorbs all the tasty flavors from the aromatics and spices.
After two hours, it’s time to season. Stir in two tablespoons of fish sauce. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds depth to your broth.
Cooking the Vegetables
Next, introduce the vegetables. Add two medium potatoes that are peeled and cut into large chunks. Stir gently to combine, then let it simmer for another 15 minutes.
After that, add one cup of corn on the cob, sliced into thick rounds. Let everything cook together for about 10 more minutes. This helps the potatoes become tender and fluffy, while the corn cooks perfectly.
Finally, add two cups of Chinese cabbage, also known as bok choy. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The greens will wilt and turn bright.
Taste the broth and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it just right. When everything is done, ladle the hot bulalo soup into deep bowls. Each serving should have some rich bone marrow. Garnish with finely sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Broth
Simmering time is key to a great bulalo soup. The longer you simmer, the better the flavors mix. Aim for about two hours. This time allows the beef to become tender and the broth to deepen in flavor. Start with a rolling boil to extract the best taste, then lower the heat. You want a gentle simmer, not a boil.
To adjust seasoning, always taste your broth after two hours. Add fish sauce for umami flavor. Salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the taste. If it feels flat, add more fish sauce or salt until it sings.
Presentation Tips
Serve bulalo in deep bowls. This helps keep the soup warm and inviting. Include a steaming pile of rice on the side for a complete meal. You can also add wedges of lime or calamansi to give a zesty kick. This brightens the dish.
For garnishing, sprinkle finely sliced green onions on top of each bowl. This adds color and freshness. If you want to indulge, spread the rich bone marrow on crusty bread. It’s a delightful treat that pairs well with the soup.
Pro Tips
- Maximize Flavor: For a richer broth, consider roasting the beef shank and vegetables in the oven before adding them to the pot. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Bone Marrow Extraction: To enjoy the bone marrow, allow it to cool slightly before scooping it out with a small spoon. It’s a delicacy and adds creaminess to the soup.
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or turnips for additional flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Perfect Serving: Serve the bulalo hot, but for an extra touch, provide a side of rice and a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili for a zesty contrast.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can switch up the beef cut in bulalo. While beef shank is classic, you can use short ribs or oxtail. These cuts give great flavor too. If you want a lighter soup, try using chicken.
Seasonal vegetables can also change your bulalo. In summer, you can add fresh green beans or eggplant. During colder months, root vegetables like carrots or turnips work well. These options keep the dish fresh and new.
Regional Styles
Different areas in the Philippines have their own bulalo styles. In Batangas, they add more spices like lemongrass for a unique twist. In Mindanao, some use coconut milk for a creamier texture. Each style shows how local ingredients shape the dish.
Local markets often offer fresh produce that influences these variations. Using ingredients from your area can make your bulalo special. Each bowl tells a story of its place and people.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Keep the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool before sealing it.
- Avoid adding fresh greens if storing.
Freezing Tips
- Freeze bulalo in portions for easy meals.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove air to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date for reference.
To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir gently to mix the flavors back together. You can add fresh greens just before serving. This way, they stay crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
What is Bulalo and its cultural significance?
Bulalo is a rich beef soup from the Philippines. It features beef shank with bone marrow. This dish is a staple in many Filipino homes. Families enjoy it during special gatherings or rainy days. Bulalo warms hearts and brings people together. It is often served with rice and fresh vegetables. The broth is savory and flavorful, making it a comfort food.
How long does Bulalo take to cook?
Bulalo takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook. You need 20 minutes for prep and 2 hours for simmering. This long cooking time helps make the beef tender. To prepare, gather all your ingredients first. This way, you save time during cooking.
Can you make Bulalo in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Bulalo in a slow cooker. Just follow the same recipe but adjust the cooking time. Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows flavors to deepen. The soup will taste rich and hearty. Just know it may be less intense compared to stovetop cooking.
Bulalo is a comforting dish with rich flavors and deep roots. We explored its key ingredients, like beef shank and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for a perfect broth. Variations show how each region adds its own twist. Plus, proper storage keeps your leftovers tasty. Overall, bulalo is more than food; it's a warm memory shared with family and friends. Enjoy making it and creating your own traditions.
