Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs beef shank or brisket, cut into large pieces
- 8 cups water (or enough to cover the beef)
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 ears of corn, each cut into 3 pieces (optional)
- 1 bunch green beans or sitaw (about 1 cup), trimmed
- 1 bunch bok choy or napa cabbage, cut into pieces
- 1 saba banana (plantain), sliced in half (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fish sauce, lemon, or calamansi (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Boil the beef:
- In a large pot, add the beef shank or brisket, water, onion, and black peppercorns. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Skim off any scum that rises to the surface, then lower the heat and simmer the beef for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
2. Add the potatoes and corn:
- Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes and corn (if using). Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
3. Season and add vegetables:
- Stir in the fish sauce and season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the green beans, bok choy, or cabbage, and plantains (if using). Let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
4. Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot in bowls with the beef, vegetables, and broth. Offer extra fish sauce, lemon, or calamansi on the side for drizzling.
Tips:
- Saba bananas: These add a subtle sweetness and unique flavor to the dish, but they are optional. You can omit them if you don’t have them available.
- Other vegetables: You can also use carrots, pechay (Filipino bok choy), or even marrow bones for added richness to the broth.
- Cooking time: If using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can cut the cooking time significantly for tender beef.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Nilagang Baka with steamed rice and a dipping sauce of fish sauce with calamansi or lemon for a classic Filipino touch.
This hearty Nilagang Baka is perfect for family meals, offering warmth and comfort with tender beef and vegetables in a flavorful, nourishing broth. Enjoy!