Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.

- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.

- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.

- Brown the beef in small batches — crowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing.

Cooking Tips

Skim off any scum or impurities that rise to the surface during the first boil — this keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting. For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.

Ingredient Substitutions

Beef alternatives: For stews, pork shoulder or oxtail provide similar richness. For steaks, try portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian twist. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Bulalo Beef Pares

Bulalo Beef Pares

Metro Manila, NCR

Bulalo Beef Pares — tender beef prepared in traditional Filipino style with local seasonings. A hearty and satisfying main dish.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Total: 60 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Add water into a pressure cooker. Let boil,
  2. Add wedged onion, ground black pepper, and salt.
  3. Put the beef shank in the pressure cooker. Cover and pressure cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the beef shank. Set the beef stock aside.
  5. In a clean pot, heat oil.
  6. Saute garlic, onion, and ginger.
  7. Add the boiled beef shank. Cook for 1 minute.
  8. Pour soy sauce and 1 3/4 cups of beef stock (water used to boil beef) into the pot. Let boil. Cover and then cook in medium heat for 8 minutes.
  9. Fold in star anise. Cook for 12 minutes. Remove the star anise from the pot.
  10. Incorporate brown sugar. Stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
  11. Fold in salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  12. Transfer to to a serving bowl. Serve with garlic fried rice and beef stock (soup).

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Brown the beef in small batches — crowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing.

Cooking Tips

Skim off any scum or impurities that rise to the surface during the first boil — this keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting.
For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.

Substitutions

Beef alternatives: For stews, pork shoulder or oxtail provide similar richness. For steaks, try portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian twist.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
R

Tita Liza Reyes

Heirloom Recipes & Modern Adaptations

Tita Liza Reyes is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. A retired school teacher from Batangas with over 30 years of home cooking experience, she helps document and adapt heirloom recipes from across the Philippines for today's kitchen.

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