Nilagang Baka
Beef and vegetable soup
Krizell•Oct 29, 2024
Beef nilaga is a traditional stew that reflects the simple yet hearty cooking style of the Philippines. “Nilaga” means “boiled” in Tagalog, and the dish consists of beef simmered with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and green beans. Its origins trace back to Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines, when local ingredients were combined with European methods of stewing meat. Over time, Filipino families adapted the recipe to include native flavors like fish sauce and local vegetables. Nilaga is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during cool or rainy days, served with steamed rice.
Hi, I’m Krizell, a third culture kid and second-generation Filipino American. I’m passionate about preserving our Filipino heritage through food and hope you give these recipes a try!
Instructions
Parboil the beef
Place the beef (2 lb) in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain the water, scrub the bones under running water, and rinse off any scum then transfer the beef to a clean pot.
Add fresh water (9 cups) plus the onions (½), fish sauce (2 Tbsp), and black pepper (1–2 tsp) then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, lower heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Skim off any scum from the surface of the broth. Add the potatoes (2–3), carrots (3), and green chili peppers (1–2)(if using). Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the cabbage (½ head). Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and fish sauce to taste. Serve with steamed white rice.
