Bulalo: Filipino Beef Shank and Marrow Soup
Dan
Filipino soup | Beef shank | Marrow broth
Bulalo is clear, beefy, and deeply comforting, with marrow bones, corn, cabbage, and tender beef in a clean broth.
Why make it: This version focuses on gentle simmering and skimming so the broth stays clear and full-flavored.
Fresh From the Kitchen
What Is Bulalo?
Bulalo is a Filipino beef shank soup made with marrow bones, corn, cabbage, and other vegetables in a simple clear broth.
Why You Will Love It
- Practical for U.S. kitchens: the recipe uses ingredients and substitutions a home cook can realistically shop for.
- Built for the table: the serving notes match how the dish usually lands in Filipino-American homes, from weeknights to merienda to parties.
- Flexible without erasing the dish: swaps are named clearly so the original idea stays visible.
- Easy to cook through: the shopping list, timings, and storage notes make the recipe straightforward to test and adjust.
Ingredient Notes
For the main ingredient
Choose fresh, good-quality ingredients and cut them evenly so Bulalo cooks predictably.
For the sauce
Taste near the end; Filipino stews and braises should feel balanced with rice, not flat on their own.
Bulalo Recipe
This version focuses on gentle simmering and skimming so the broth stays clear and full-flavored.
Shopping List
- beef shank
- marrow bones
- corn
- cabbage
- potatoes optional
- onion
- peppercorns
- fish sauce
- green onions
- rice
Ingredients
Broth
- 3 pounds beef shank and marrow bones
- 12 cups water
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- Fish sauce or salt
Vegetables
- 2 ears corn, cut into pieces
- 1 small cabbage, wedged
- 2 potatoes, optional
- Green onions
For Serving
- Steamed rice
- Calamansi
- Fish sauce with chiles
Instructions
- Prepare and season the main ingredients so they are ready before the pot gets hot.
- Cook the aromatics in oil until fragrant and lightly softened.
- Add the main protein or vegetables and cook long enough to build flavor.
- Pour in the sauce or broth ingredients and bring to a steady simmer.
- Cook until tender, adding vegetables in stages so each one keeps the right texture.
- Taste and adjust salt, acidity, sweetness, or heat before serving.
- Rest briefly, then serve hot with rice or the suggested sides.
Tips For The Best Bulalo
- Build flavor early: Take time with aromatics before adding liquid.
- Add vegetables in stages: This keeps soft vegetables from dissolving.
- Taste with rice in mind: The sauce should be slightly bold because rice softens it.
- Rest before serving: A short rest helps the flavors settle.
How To Serve And Store
Serve hot with steamed rice and a simple vegetable side. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
Common Questions
Can I make Bulalo ahead?
Yes. Most Filipino stews and braises taste even better after resting overnight.
Can I use a different cut?
Usually yes, as long as you adjust the cooking time for tenderness.
Can I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or fish sauce sparingly, then adjust at the end.
Can I freeze it?
Saucy meat dishes freeze well; vegetable-heavy dishes are best eaten fresh or refrigerated.
What detail makes Bulalo taste like home for you? Share your family version or testing notes in the comments.
Recipe inspiration and technique reference: Filipino home-cooking source research from Panlasang Pinoy, Kawaling Pinoy, and Filipino-American cooking sources in the site roadmap.
