Bulalo

If you're looking for an intensely flavorful and subtly complex dish to tingle the palate and ease your hunger, then what could be more tantalizing than the robust and succulent Filipino delicacy known as Bulalo?

Bulalo


A comfort food classic for centuries, this velvety smooth soup boasts a delectable blend of bone-in beef, marrow, potatoes, corn, cabbage and onions that have been simmered in a mineral-rich broth for hours. The broth is usually simmered with a special seasoning mix composed of fish sauce, garlic, onion powder and bay leaf - all of which give it its signature taste.

What truly sets this dish apart from other soups is its full flavor and the molten beef marrow that accompanies it. The marrow melts in your mouth, providing an incomparable richness that complements the overall complexity of the subtle yet surprisingly deep flavor profile. It's no wonder why this soup is a mainstay on many Filipino tables.

It's also relatively easy to make. All you need to do is combine your preferred ingredients in a large pot, cover it with water and bring it to a boil. The hot, steaming liquid will be ready to eat in no time. Add some extra flavor by lightly frying garlic and onions before adding to the pot.

Bulalo is the perfect hearty meal to cozy up with after a long day. Serve it with a side of rice or gulp it down as a rejuvenating drink. It's one of those dishes that has something for everyone - and what better way to enjoy a delightful feast than with the company of an appreciative friend or family member?

Bulalo recipes

Amazing Bulalo recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Bulalo

Bulalo, a fragrant and savory Filipino beef stew, is one of the oldest dishes still cherished in the Philippines today. This iconic dish has been part of the Filipino culinary culture for centuries, and even though its source and exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, its deep history can be traced back to the early 1700s.

The name Bulalo comes from the unique style of preparation employed in the cooking process. In Tagalog, the word 'bulalo' translates to 'boiling', which accurately describes the method of cooking used for the stew. Traditionally, large chunks of bone-in beef are slowly boiled in a flavorful broth made from garlic, onions, lemongrass, and black pepper, resulting in a rich, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth dish.

While the exact origin of Bulalo is a bit of a mystery, there are several theories on how it came to be. Some believe that Bulalo was first created by Spanish settlers during their colonization of the Philippines in the 1600s. The settlers brought with them their own recipes and combined these with Filipino ingredients and cooking techniques to create new dishes.

Others think that Bulalo may have originated as a hearty and nourishing street food. Vendors would prepare the stew in large pots, allowing the flavors to combine and develop over a long, slow simmer. The full-bodied flavor of Bulalo combined with its affordability and abundance made it a popular dish for the everyday Filipino.

No matter where it came from, Bulalo has become a beloved part of the Filipino culinary heritage. To this day, the sweet and savory aroma of Bulalo is enough to bring nostalgia and comfort to Filipinos everywhere. And although the exact origin might never be known, the timelessness of this classic dish will continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

FAQs about Bulalo

Is bulalo soup healthy?

Bulalo soup can be a healthy option when prepared correctly. The soup typically contains beef, marrow bones, potatoes, corn, and other vegetables. When made from scratch, with lean meats and plenty of vegetables, it can be a nutritious, low-calorie meal. It is also high in protein, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals.


What is bulalo called in English?

Bulalo is sometimes referred to as "bone marrow soup" in English.


What's the difference between bulalo and nilaga?

Bulalo is a hearty Filipino stew made of beef shanks, bone marrow and vegetables. It is cooked for a long time until the meat is very tender. Nilaga is also a Filipino stew made of beef, but it is cooked for a shorter time and usually contains potatoes, cabbage, and onions.


Why is bulalo special?

Bulalo is a traditional Filipino beef stew that is especially special because it is packed with unique flavors. It typically includes stewed beef shanks and bone marrow, as well as cabbage, bok choy, carrots, onions, potatoes, corn, and other vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful broth made of beef stock, garlic, ginger, patis (fish sauce), bay leaves, and black pepper. The rich, complex flavor of this stew makes it a favorite among Filipinos, and a must-have for special occasions.


Types of Bulalo

Ah, Bulalo. That hearty, delicious, and sumptuous Filipino dish that has been a mainstay in many Filipino homes for centuries. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just for a cozy family gathering—it’s sure to be gobbled up by all. Bulalo is made by slow-cooking beef shanks and marrow bones in a broth with other traditional flavors like onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, star anise, and fish sauce.

The most classic version of Bulalo is simply known as “ Tagalog Bulalo.” This variety is made with chunks of beef shank, along with onion and tomato salsa, often served with a side of rice. It’s known for its earthy, umami flavors and fall-apart tenderness of the beef.

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try “Batangas Bulalo.” This version features beef shank that’s fried until crisp, then simmered in a rich, flavorful broth of annatto, salt and pepper, bay leaves, and chilies. This dish is usually served in a communal bowl with steamed white rice.

On the sweet side, we have “Kapampangan Bulalo.” This version features beef shank that’s simmered in a sweet and savory broth made from coconut milk, annatto, garlic, and onion. The end result is a deliciously creamy dish that’s great for dipping with some crusty bread.

For a fun twist on the classic Bulalo, try “Cebuano Bulalo.” This dish utilizes all the same ingredients as the original, but it kicks things up a notch with the addition of pork and shrimp. This unique blend of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable Bulalo experience.

Finally, there is “Bicol Express Bulalo.” This version incorporates two rarely used ingredients—sili labuyo and gata—to create a spicy and flavorful broth. The beef shank is cooked until it’s tender and bathed in the warm, flavorful liquid.

No matter which variety of Bulalo you choose to enjoy, you are sure to be delighted by the amazing combination of flavors and textures that come together to make this timeless Filipino dish. So, what are you waiting for? Try out one or all of these dishes today and discover why Bulalo is one of the most beloved Filipino dishes around.