Description
Hearty Beef Ribs Nilaga offers Filipino comfort in a single bowl, showcasing tender meat and rich broth simmered with garden-fresh vegetables. Warm spices and slow-cooked depth invite you to savor this classic Philippine culinary treasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) beef ribs
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
- 2 pieces beef broth cubes
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fish sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cleanse the beef ribs thoroughly under cold running water, removing any excess fat or unwanted tissue.
- Transfer ribs to a large pot, submerging completely with cold water. Heat to rolling boil, meticulously skimming away foamy impurities that surface.
- Reduce flame to gentle simmer, introducing whole onions and fragrant peppercorns. Allow meat to tenderize slowly for approximately 45-60 minutes, ensuring liquid remains just below boiling point.
- Incorporate beef broth cubes, stirring gently to dissolve and distribute concentrated flavor throughout the liquid.
- Introduce quartered potatoes into the simmering broth, allowing them to cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly softened but not mushy.
- Carefully layer chopped cabbage into the pot, permitting vegetables to cook an additional 3-4 minutes while maintaining gentle heat.
- Season the nilaga with fish sauce, tasting and adjusting salt levels to create a balanced, savory profile.
- Remove pot from heat, garnishing with finely sliced green onions for fresh, aromatic finish.
- Transfer to serving bowls, accompanied by steamed rice and classic patis-calamansi dipping sauce for an authentic Filipino dining experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality beef ribs with good marbling for extra tenderness and rich flavor.
- Skimming off the scum during initial boiling ensures a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth without gamey undertones.
- Consider adding ginger or lemongrass during simmering to enhance the soup’s aromatic profile and provide subtle depth.
- For a lighter version, replace beef broth cubes with low-sodium stock and reduce salt content for health-conscious diners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg