Beef Bulalo Recipe & Guide: How to Cook the Best Filipino Comfort Food

Beef Bulalo is one of the most iconic and well-loved Filipino dishes. This rich and flavorful beef marrow soup is known for its tender, slow-cooked beef shanks, infused with a hearty broth and complemented by fresh vegetables. Whether enjoyed during rainy days, family gatherings, or roadside stopovers in Tagaytay and Batangas, bulalo remains a staple in Filipino cuisine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about beef bulalo—from its origins and ingredients to the best cooking techniques, health benefits, and restaurant recommendations.

What is Beef Bulalo?

Bulalo is a traditional Filipino soup that features slow-simmered beef shank and bone marrow, resulting in a clear yet deeply flavorful broth. The long cooking process extracts the rich, natural flavors of the bones and meat, creating a savory and comforting dish.

Unlike other beef soups, bulalo is unique for its simplicity—no thick sauces, no overpowering spices, just pure beef goodness enhanced by subtle seasonings and vegetables like corn, cabbage, and pechay (Chinese cabbage).

The History and Origin of Bulalo

Bulalo originates from the provinces of Batangas and Tagaytay, where cattle farming is abundant. The dish was traditionally cooked for hours over wood-fired stoves, with the goal of extracting the rich flavors from the beef bones and marrow. Over time, it became a popular meal among travelers and locals alike, especially in the cool climate of Tagaytay, where numerous bulalohan (bulalo specialty restaurants) serve steaming bowls of this Filipino comfort food.

Today, bulalo has evolved into a nationwide favorite, with restaurants, eateries, and even home cooks creating their own variations while preserving the dish’s traditional taste.

Why is Bulalo So Popular?

1. Rich, Hearty Flavor

The slow-cooking process brings out the deep, beefy flavor of the bones, enhanced with simple seasonings and vegetables.

2. Comfort Food for All Occasions

Bulalo is the perfect meal for cold or rainy days, making it a go-to dish for family gatherings, celebrations, and even casual roadside stops.

3. Affordable and Accessible

Beef shank and marrow bones are relatively affordable, and the dish requires only a handful of ingredients, making it an economical choice for many Filipino households.

4. Highly Customizable

From Batangas-style bulalo (which is simpler and focuses on the broth) to the Tagaytay version (which includes more vegetables and richer flavors), there are various ways to enjoy this dish.

Ingredients for the Best Bulalo Recipe

To make an authentic and restaurant-quality Beef Bulalo, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef shank (with bone marrow)
• 1 liter water
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp peppercorns
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 pcs corn on the cob, cut into halves
• 2 pcs potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 bunch pechay (bok choy)
• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis) (optional for added umami)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp beef bouillon (for a richer broth)
• 2 pcs green onions, for garnish
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for added depth of flavor)

How to Cook Authentic Beef Bulalo

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Meat

• Place the beef shank and marrow bones in a large pot filled with water.
• Bring to a boil and remove scum or impurities that float to the surface.
• Add onions, garlic, peppercorns, and salt to enhance the broth’s flavor.
• Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes fork-tender.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

• After simmering the meat, add corn and potatoes. Let them cook for 10-15 minutes until tender.
• Next, add cabbage and pechay and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Serve

• Adjust the taste by adding fish sauce or more salt and pepper.
• Transfer to a large serving bowl, ensuring the marrow bones are exposed for easy scooping.
• Garnish with green onions and serve hot with steamed rice and a side of calamansi and soy sauce for dipping.

Best Places to Eat Bulalo in the Philippines

If you’re craving a bowl of bulalo but don’t have time to cook, check out these famous Bulalo hotspots in the Philippines:

1. Mahogany Market (Tagaytay)

✔ Famous for its rich, flavorful bulalo served with unlimited dipping sauces and side dishes.

2. Leslie’s Bulalo (Tagaytay)

✔ A top tourist spot offering scenic views of Taal Volcano while enjoying their signature bulalo.

3. Rose and Grace Restaurant (Batangas)

✔ Known for their Batangas-style bulalo, which focuses on the meat and bone marrow rather than vegetables.

4. R&J Bulalohan (Mandaluyong, Metro Manila)

✔ Open 24/7, making it a go-to place for late-night bulalo cravings.

5. Bulalo Point Turo-Turo Grill (Tagaytay)

✔ Offers a budget-friendly yet flavorful bulalo with large servings for sharing.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Bulalo

While bulalo is undeniably delicious, it is also a rich source of essential nutrients. Here’s why it can be a good addition to your diet in moderation:

• High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in Collagen – Good for skin, hair, and joint health.
• Iron & Zinc – Boosts immunity and improves oxygen circulation.
• Bone Marrow Benefits – Contains healthy fats and minerals essential for brain function.

⚠ Note: Due to its high cholesterol and fat content, bulalo should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Bulalo

Final Thoughts

Beef Bulalo is more than just a soup—it’s a cultural and culinary experience deeply rooted in Filipino tradition. Whether cooked at home or enjoyed in a roadside eatery, bulalo continues to bring warmth and comfort to every Filipino table.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends and let them in on the secret to making the best bulalo! Want more Filipino recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth food guides.