πŸ‡΅πŸ‡­ Philippines Β· Food

Bulalo (Beef Bone Soup)

⏱ 40 min
A relaxed effort
πŸ”₯ 320 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo Β· August 4, 2026

Bulalo (Beef Bone Soup)πŸ‡΅πŸ‡­ PH

A legendary Filipino soup featuring beef shank simmered for hours until tender, releasing deep flavors from the marrow bone. It is simple, clear, and immensely restorative.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Place 1kg of beef shank in a large pot with 2 liters of water and bring to a boil.

  • 2

    Skim off the foam that rises to the surface using a mesh spoon to ensure a clear broth.

  • 3

    Add 2 chopped onions and 1 tsp whole peppercorns to the pot.

  • 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

  • 5

    Add 2 peeled and quartered potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

  • 6

    Season the soup with 3 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp salt, stirring well.

  • 7

    Add 200g of roughly chopped cabbage to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.

  • 8

    Serve hot, ensuring each bowl gets a piece of the shank and some of the rich, marrow-infused broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use beef shank?+

The shank contains the marrow bone and connective tissue, which are essential for creating the rich, gelatinous soup characteristic of Bulalo.

How to get a clear broth?+

The key is to skim the impurities as they rise to the surface during the initial boil and never let it boil vigorously.

Can I use a pressure cooker?+

Yes, a pressure cooker reduces the time significantly to about 45 minutes of cooking time, but simmering is more traditional.

What if the soup isn't salty enough?+

Adjust with fish sauce towards the end; it adds a savory depth that salt alone cannot provide.

Keep exploring