How To Cook Bulalo Without Pressure Cooker

Bulalo is a popular Filipino dish that is known for its rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and delicious marrow. Traditionally, bulalo is cooked using a pressure cooker to quickly tenderize the beef and extract the flavors from the bones. However, not everyone has a pressure cooker at home. Don’t worry, because you can still enjoy a delicious bowl of bulalo without a pressure cooker!

To cook bulalo without a pressure cooker, you will need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. This method may take a bit longer compared to using a pressure cooker, but the result is just as tasty. Plus, it allows the flavors to fully develop and the meat to become even more tender.

Start by selecting a good cut of beef with bones, such as beef shanks or marrow bones. These cuts are perfect for making bulalo as they add richness and depth of flavor to the broth. You can ask your local butcher to cut the beef shanks into smaller pieces to make it easier to handle.

Once you have your beef ready, you can start preparing your aromatics. Onions, garlic, and peppercorns are the key ingredients that will enhance the flavor of your bulalo broth. You can also add corn cobs, cabbage, and bok choy to add more texture and nutrients to your dish.

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to start cooking. Place the beef shanks in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Once the meat is tender, you can add your aromatics and vegetables. This is the perfect time to add the onions, garlic, peppercorns, and any other seasonings you prefer. Let the broth simmer for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the broth.

After simmering, remove any scum or impurities that may have risen to the surface of the broth. You can do this by skimming it off with a spoon or using a fine-mesh strainer to strain the broth. This step will ensure that you have a clear and clean broth for your bulalo.

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your homemade bulalo! Ladle the hot broth into bowls, making sure to include a generous amount of meat, marrow, and vegetables in each bowl. Serve it with steaming hot rice and a patis (fish sauce) and calamansi (Philippine lime) dipping sauce on the side for a complete and delicious meal.

Although cooking bulalo without a pressure cooker may take more time and effort, the end result is definitely worth it. The rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and savory marrow make it a perfect comfort dish to enjoy with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, grab a pot, and start cooking your own homemade bulalo today!

What is Bulalo?

Bulalo is a traditional Filipino dish that is loved by many. It is a beef soup made from the shank and marrow bones of the cow. The dish is known for its rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and gelatinous marrow.

Ingredients

• Beef shank and marrow bones
• Onion
• Garlic
• Pepper
• Corn
• Cabbage
• Pechay (Chinese cabbage)
• Carrots
• Salt
• Water

Bulalo is often cooked with various vegetables such as corn, cabbage, pechay, and carrots, which add a delicious crunch and freshness to the dish. The long cooking process helps release the flavors from the bones, resulting in a satisfying soup that is perfect for cold weather or as a comforting meal.

This dish is usually enjoyed with steamed rice and paired with a dipping sauce made of patis (fish sauce), calamansi (Filipino lime), and bird’s eye chili. The combination of the tender beef, flavorful broth, and tangy dipping sauce creates a harmonious and delightful dining experience.

Whether you cook it with a pressure cooker or without one, Bulalo is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to anyone who enjoys it. Its distinct flavors and unique cooking process make it a beloved Filipino dish that is often shared during family gatherings and special occasions.

Why Cook Bulalo Without Pressure Cooker?

Traditionally, bulalo is cooked using a pressure cooker to tenderize the beef faster. However, cooking bulalo without a pressure cooker can have its own advantages. Here are a few reasons why you might want to try cooking bulalo the old-fashioned way:

1. Enhanced Flavors

Cooking bulalo without a pressure cooker allows the flavors to develop and intensify slowly. The longer cooking time allows the bones and meat to release more flavor, resulting in a rich and more robust broth.

2. Texture and Tenderness

When you cook bulalo without a pressure cooker, the meat and bones have more time to simmer and soften. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become more tender and succulent, making each bite a truly satisfying experience.

So, while a pressure cooker may save you time, cooking bulalo without one can bring out the true essence of this classic Filipino dish. Give it a try and taste the difference!

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to cook delicious Bulalo without a pressure cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients for cooking Bulalo. You will need:

• 1 kilogram of beef shanks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, pounded
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Water
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g., cabbage, pechay, corn)

Step 2: Boil the Beef Shanks

In a large pot, add water and beef shanks. Bring it to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add the onion, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Bulalo

Reduce the heat to low and let the Bulalo simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until the beef shanks are tender. Make sure to check the water level occasionally and add more if needed.

Step 5: Season with Salt

Taste the broth and season with salt according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables

Add the vegetables of your choice to the pot and let them cook until they are tender yet still crisp. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of vegetables you use.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Bulalo is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve it hot with steamed rice and enjoy this comforting and hearty Filipino dish.

Now you know how to cook Bulalo without a pressure cooker. Follow these steps and impress your family and friends with your delicious homemade Bulalo!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking bulalo without a pressure cooker, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have the following:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef shank
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 8 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bundle of pechay (Chinese cabbage)
• 1 bundle of green beans, trimmed
• 2 corn cobs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 potatoes, peeled and quartered

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start cooking bulalo without a pressure cooker.

Step 2: Boil the Beef Bones

Once you have cleaned the beef bones thoroughly, it’s time to start boiling them. This step is crucial in extracting the rich flavors and nutrients from the bones.

What You’ll Need:

– Beef bones (preferably with marrow)

– Water

– Salt

– Peppercorns

– Bay leaves

– Onion (optional)

– Garlic cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water, enough to cover the beef bones.

2. Add the beef bones to the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

3. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for at least 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the collagen in the bones to break down.

4. As the beef bones simmer, skim off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface. This will help ensure a clearer and cleaner broth.

5. After simmering for 2 hours, add salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, onion (if using), and garlic cloves (if using) to the pot. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the broth.

6. Continue simmering the beef bones for another 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the broth has a rich and flavorful taste.

7. Once the beef bones are cooked, you can use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot. Alternatively, you can strain the broth to remove any solids.

Note: Some people prefer to remove the marrow from the bones after boiling. If you want to do this, wait for the bones to cool down slightly and then use a knife to extract the marrow.

Now that the beef bones are boiled, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious and comforting bowl of bulalo soup! Proceed to the next step to complete the cooking process.

Step 3: Skim off Impurities

Once the water comes to a boil, you will notice some impurities rising to the surface. These impurities can make your bulalo broth taste cloudy and unpleasant, so it’s important to skim them off.

Use a large spoon or a ladle to carefully remove the foam and impurities from the surface of the water. Skim off as much as you can, being careful not to remove too much of the meat or vegetables.

If there are stubborn impurities that won’t easily come off, you can use a skimmer or a fine mesh strainer to skim them off.

Continue skimming off the impurities until the water looks clear and clean.

This step is crucial for achieving a clear and flavorful bulalo broth, so take your time and be thorough with the skimming process.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices

After the beef has simmered for a few hours and is tender enough, it’s time to add the vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor of your bulalo. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 medium-sized cabbage, sliced into wedges
• 2-3 stalks of bok choy, trimmed
• 1 medium-sized onion, minced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to add the vegetables and spices:

1. Add the potatoes, cabbage, and bok choy to the pot.
2. In a separate pan, sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pot.
4. Pour in the fish sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the flavors.

Continue to simmer the bulalo for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness. Be careful not to overcook them as you want them to retain some of their crunchiness.

Your bulalo is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich and delicious flavors of this classic Filipino dish.

FAQ

What is bulalo?

Bulalo is a Filipino beef soup dish made from beef shank and bone marrow, typically cooked with vegetables such as corn, cabbage, and potatoes.

Can I cook bulalo without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook bulalo without a pressure cooker. While a pressure cooker can help cook the dish faster, you can still achieve delicious bulalo by using a regular pot and simmering the ingredients for a longer period of time.