Nilagang Baka, also known as “boiled beef,” is a popular Filipino dish that is both hearty and comforting. Made with tender beef, onions, potatoes, and cabbage, it is a perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 kilogram of beef, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 medium-sized cabbage, quartered
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns
- 8 cups of water
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the beef, onions, garlic, and peppercorns. Let it simmer for about 1 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Add the potatoes and fish sauce. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Finally, add the cabbage and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cabbage is cooked but still crisp.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or corn to make the dish even more delicious. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Nilagang Baka is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of patis (fish sauce) with calamansi (Philippine lime).
Now that you have learned how to cook Nilagang Baka, you can impress your family and friends with this traditional Filipino dish. It’s a simple and flavorful recipe that will surely warm the hearts and bellies of everyone who tastes it.
Benefits of cooking nilagang baka
Nilagang baka, or boiled beef soup, is a popular Filipino dish that offers a wide range of health benefits. This hearty and nutritious soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that can support overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits of cooking nilagang baka:
1. Protein-rich: | Nilagang baka is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or build lean muscle mass. |
2. Vitamins and minerals: | This soup is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients play important roles in supporting immune function, energy production, and maintaining healthy skin and nails. |
3. Hydration: | Nilagang baka is a broth-based soup, which means it can help keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining optimal bodily functions and can help improve digestion, circulation, and overall health. |
4. Bone health: | The beef bones used to make nilagang baka release collagen and gelatin into the soup, which can support joint and bone health. These compounds are rich in amino acids that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. |
5. Digestive health: | Nilagang baka contains vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots that are rich in fiber. Fiber is important for promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. Including this soup in your diet can help support a healthy digestive system. |
Overall, cooking nilagang baka not only provides a delicious meal but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can contribute to a balanced and wholesome diet.
Ingredients Needed for Nilagang Baka
Nilagang baka is a traditional Filipino beef soup made with tender beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious dish:
Meat and Broth
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Beef shanks | 2 lbs |
Water | 8 cups |
Onion, quartered | 1 |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
Bay leaves | 2 |
Salt | to taste |
Black peppercorns | 10 |
Vegetables
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Potatoes, quartered | 3 |
Cabbage, cut into wedges | 1 head |
Green beans, trimmed | 1 cup |
Bok choy, cut into halves | 1 bunch |
Corn on the cob, cut into halves | 2 |
Carrots, sliced | 2 |
These ingredients will create a comforting and hearty bowl of nilagang baka. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions to achieve the best results.
Step-by-step instructions for cooking nilagang baka
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef shanks
– 4 cups water
– 1 onion, quartered
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 3 potatoes, quartered
– 2 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cabbage, cut into wedges
– Fish sauce (patis), to taste
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, place the beef shanks and water. Bring to a boil and skim off any scum that rises to the top.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
4. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted.
6. Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Slice the beef into serving pieces and return it to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until the beef is heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
2 pounds beef shanks | 1. In a large pot, place the beef shanks and water. Bring to a boil and skim off any scum that rises to the top. |
4 cups water | 2. Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender. |
1 onion, quartered | 3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth and return it to the pot. |
3 cloves garlic, minced | 4. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. |
2 bay leaves | 5. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted. |
3 potatoes, quartered | 6. Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. |
2 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces | 7. Slice the beef into serving pieces and return it to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until the beef is heated through. |
1 cabbage, cut into wedges | 8. Serve hot and enjoy! |
Fish sauce (patis), to taste | |
Salt and pepper, to taste |
Tips for serving and enjoying nilagang baka
Nilagang baka is a delicious Filipino beef soup dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here are some tips to help you serve and enjoy this mouthwatering dish:
1. Serve it hot
Nilagang baka is best served hot, so make sure to serve it as soon as it’s done cooking. This will ensure that the flavors are at their peak and the beef is tender.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs
Add a burst of freshness to your nilagang baka by garnishing it with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. This will not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also add a pop of flavor.
3. Serve with steamed rice
Nilagang baka pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The tender beef and flavorful broth complement the simplicity of plain steamed rice. Serve a bowl of nilagang baka with a side of steamed rice for a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
4. Use condiments to enhance the flavors
Feel free to enhance the flavors of nilagang baka by adding condiments such as fish sauce or calamansi (Filipino lime). These condiments add a tangy and umami flavor that complements the rich beef broth.
5. Enjoy it with your favorite sides
While nilagang baka is delicious on its own, you can also enjoy it with your favorite sides. Popular choices include steamed vegetables, pickled papaya (atchara), or even crispy fried tofu. These sides add variety and texture to the meal.
With these tips in mind, you can serve and enjoy a delicious bowl of nilagang baka. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this comforting beef soup dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
FAQ
What is nilagang baka?
Nilagang baka is a traditional Filipino dish that is essentially a beef soup. It is made by simmering beef with vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth. It is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for cold weather.
How do you cook nilagang baka?
To cook nilagang baka, first, you need to prepare the ingredients, which include beef, onions, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, peppercorns, and fish sauce. Start by boiling the beef in a pot with water and onions until it becomes tender. Then, add the vegetables and simmer until cooked. Season with fish sauce and peppercorns to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I use different vegetables for nilagang baka?
Yes, you can definitely use different vegetables for nilagang baka according to your preference. While the traditional recipe calls for cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, you can add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or even bok choy. Feel free to experiment and personalize the dish to your liking!
What is the best cut of beef for nilagang baka?
The best cut of beef for nilagang baka is usually a tough and flavorful cut that becomes tender when simmered for a long time. Common choices include beef shank, brisket, or short ribs. These cuts have enough connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, resulting in tender and succulent meat. However, you can use any cut of beef that you prefer or have available.