Beef Bulalo Shank Recipe: A Classic Filipino Comfort Dish

          Craving a warm, comforting Filipino soup? Try this next-level beef Bulalo Shank recipe! Discover upgraded ingredients and modern techniques to elevate your classic bulalo.

          Bulalo is one of the Philippines’ most beloved comfort foods, a slow-simmered beef shank soup with bone marrow, tender meat, and rich broth. But what if you could make it even better? With premium beef bulalo shank cuts and a few creative upgrades, you can turn this traditional dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece at home.

What Is Beef Bulalo Shank?

          Bulalo Shank is a cut of beef that includes the bone, marrow, and surrounding meat. It's ideal for slow cooking, as the collagen and marrow release into the broth, creating a flavorful, gelatin-rich soup. When cooked properly, the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, and the broth becomes deep, savory, and satisfying.

          Bulalo is a traditional Filipino soup made by simmering beef shank and marrow bones until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the broth becomes rich and full of beefy flavor. It’s commonly served in Batangas, Tagaytay, and other cold-weather provinces, often with a side of steamed rice, patis (fish sauce) and “siling labuyo” (chili).

Ingredients:  What You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients:

• 1–1.5 kg Beef Bulalo Shank
• 2 liters water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• Salt and fish sauce to taste
  
  

Next-Level Additions:

• 1 corn on the cob, sliced into rounds
• 1 bundle baby bok choy or pechay
• 1 small cabbage, quartered
• 1 carrot, cut diagonally
• 1–2 potatoes, halved
• Optional: shiitake mushrooms, leeks, or lemongrass
• Chili flakes or fried garlic for topping
• Calamansi or chili-soy dipping sauce on the side

How to Cook Beef Bulalo Shank Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil for a Clearer Broth

         Boil the Bulalo Shanks in water for 5 minutes, then discard the water. Rinse the meat to remove impurities. This keeps your final broth clear and clean-tasting.

         Pro tip: This step removes scum and excess fat, making your soup restaurant-quality.

Step 2: Simmer Low and Slow

          In a clean pot, add beef shanks, garlic, onion, and peppercorns. Pour in 2 liters of water. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and the marrow softens. Skim the surface occasionally.

          Next-level tip: Add a stalk of lemongrass or leeks for aroma, or simmer with shiitake mushrooms for added umami.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables Last

          Once the meat is tender, season the broth with salt and fish sauce. Then add corn, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Let simmer for another 10–15 minutes. 

Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy!

          Ladle soup into a deep bowl with a bone-in shank, marrow exposed, and vegetables arranged neatly. Garnish with fried garlic, chili flakes, or spring onions for a flavorful finish.

          Next-level tip: Serve with a side of garlic rice, calamansi & soy dipping sauce or even roasted bone marrow toast for a gourmet Filipino fusion experience.

What to Serve with Bulalo Shank

          Bulalo Shank is a rich and hearty Filipino beef soup that pairs best with simple, comforting sides that complement its bold flavors. The most popular choice is steamed or garlic fried rice, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and enjoying tender beef and bone marrow. Serve it with fish sauce (patis) mixed with calamansi and chili as a dipping sauce for extra savory depth. For added texture, pair bulalo with fried eggplant, crispy kangkong, or even grilled corn. A side of toasted bread or pandesal works great if you want to scoop out the marrow. Finish the meal with a cold soda or iced tea to balance the soup’s richness. These pairings make bulalo shank meals even more satisfying, whether it’s a rainy day treat or a special weekend feast.

         Bulalo is already a Filipino classic, but with a few thoughtful upgrades, it can become an elevated comfort food experience. From rich bone marrow to bold vegetables and gourmet garnishes, this next-level bulalo shank recipe is sure to impress your family, guests or customers. Cook it low and slow, serve it hot and enjoy the deep, soul-warming flavors of premium beef.