Description
Beef Ribs Nilaga is a comforting Filipino boiled beef soup featuring tender beef short ribs simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, and peppercorns, complemented by hearty vegetables like potatoes, corn, cabbage, and bok choy. This warm, flavorful dish is perfect for family meals and served best with steamed rice and a side of fish sauce with calamansi or lemon for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Broth
- 2 pounds beef short ribs (or beef shank)
- 1 large onion (quartered)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 8 cups water
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and quartered)
- 2 ears of corn (cut into chunks)
- 1 small head cabbage (cut into wedges)
- 1 bunch bok choy or pechay
- Green beans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine the beef ribs, quartered onion, crushed garlic, whole peppercorns, fish sauce (if using), salt, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until the beef is tender and falling off the bone. Skim off any foam or excess fat that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
- Add the root vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the peeled and quartered potatoes and corn chunks to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Add leafy greens: Add the cabbage wedges and bok choy (or pechay) to the soup. Simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the greens have wilted but remain vibrant. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt or fish sauce if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the nilaga into bowls and serve hot. Accompany with steamed rice and a side of fish sauce mixed with calamansi or lemon juice for dipping the meat and vegetables, enhancing the savory flavors.
Notes
- To save time, cook the beef in a pressure cooker for 30-35 minutes before adding the vegetables.
- For richer flavor, add a beef bouillon cube or replace water with beef broth.
- Skimming the broth regularly ensures a clearer soup.
- Green beans can be added with the leafy greens if desired.
