Boiled Beef with vegetables (Nilagang Baka)

Boiled beef or Nilagang Baka in Tagalog language is a delicious beef broth cooked or boiled in natural herbs and spices. It’s mild and soothing flavors make this soup one of the favorite dishes by most Filipino families. A one pot meal that includes vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes and Bok choy leaves. Delicious and satisfying meal especially in cold weather.

Traditionally, Bok choy leaves are added in this dish and since it is not available, I alternatively used water spinach (Kangkong). Pandan and celery are crushed to extract more flavor and rice water and garlic with skin on will contribute to an amazing flavor of the stew.

Ingredients

Beef, bone in
Water or Rice water
Onion, quartered
Garlic, crushed
Peppercorns
Bay leaves
Celery, crushed
Pandan leaves
Potatoes, quartered
Green beans, top and tail
Cabbage, quartered
Water spinach leaves or Bok choy leaves
Fish sauce, 4 tbsp
Salt
Pepper, ground

1. Wash the beef and drain excess water.

2. Place it in a pot and add the herbs and spices.
   

3. Cover with enough water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove the scum that floats on top.
   

4. Reduce it to low heat and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours or until the meat is soft but tender. Add water if necessary.
   

5. Add the potatoes and fish sauce, cook for 5 minutes.
   

6. Add the remaining vegetables and cook until soft but firm.
   

7. Adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper.
   

This is usually served with boiled rice and a dipping fish sauce with chili on the side. A delicious smell will fill your kitchen while cooking this wonderful soup.

Propagating the water spinach stems in a jar of water for future use. They are delicious and easy to grow with minimal care.

I hope this recipe is helpful to you. You can skip some of the ingredients and use alternatively according to your preference.

I appreciate your feedback and am always happy to get back to you.

Have a nice day!

Thank you.