The comforting one-pot meal couldnt be easier to make.

It is sheer comfort food, especially when served with steamed rice.

What Is Nilagang Baka?

Ladle raising some nilagang baka from a Dutch oven with more, and in the surroundings, a stack of bowls, a serving of Filipino beef soup in a bowl, a bowl of rice, a small bowl of fish sauce, and a navy table napkin

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

What Does Nilagang Baka Taste Like?

Rice is typically steamed plain, making it a good backdrop for salty sauces.

According to Fernandez, the best patis is not fishy-smelling at all, but usually amber-colored and aromatic.

Ladle raising some nilagang baka from a Dutch oven with more at a table setting with a stack of bowls, a bowl of rice, a small bowl of fish sauce, and a navy blue table napkin

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

I purchase fish sauce from Asian markets or online sources.

What Kind of Beef to Use

Beef nilaga typically calls for beef chuck or stew meat.

Great for Beginners

This is one of the easiest Filipino all-in-one meals to prepare.

Ladle raising some nilagang baka from a Dutch oven with more, and in the surroundings, a stack of bowls, a serving of Filipino beef soup in a bowl, a bowl of rice, and a small bowl of fish sauce

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Before a busy weeknight, I can take it out of the freezer, thaw it, and reheat.

I add the vegetables at the end of cooking.

Sweet potatoes are a nice addition or can be swapped for the potatoes in the recipe.

Baking soda added to a bowl of meat for nilagang baka (Filipino beef stea recipe)

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

For the greens, you might use Napa cabbage or bok choy in place of the green cabbage.

Pat dry with paper towels.

Add the beef stew cubes and the beef short ribs to a large mixing bowl.

Rinsed beef pieces in a colander and patted down using a paper towel for nilagang baka recipe

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Sprinkle the baking soda all over the meat, making sure to spread all around evenly.

Let the baking soda marinate for 30 minutes.

This will help tenderize the meat.

Aromatics sauteed in Dutch oven on a portable induction stove for Filipino beef stew recipe

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Simple Tip!

This is a great time to prep all of the vegetables for the stew.

Add the oil to a large stockpot over medium heat.

Water poured onto the beef and the aromatics in the Dutch oven (still on the induction stove) for nilagang baka recipe

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Add the beef followed by the water.

Add the fish sauce and stir to combine.

Cover and cook over medium heat, simmering the beef until soft and tender, about 2 hours.

Checking for fork tender beef after lifing some from Dutch oven using a wooden spoon, and below it, the Dutch oven with the rest of the beef for Filipino beef stew recipe

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Pierce the beef with a forkit should be fall off the bone tender.

I simmer the vegetables separately in a medium pot and add them to the cooked meat before serving.

Add the potatoes and carrots and stir.

Vegetables added to Dutch oven for Filipino niligang baka recipe

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Add the green beans and cabbage and mix well.

Cover the pot and continue cooking until the greens are tender, about 10 minutes.

Serving of nilagang baka (Filipino beef stew) in a bowl, and in the surroundings, a Dutch oven with more soup, a small bowl of fish sauce, a bowl of rice, and a navy blue table napkin

Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle the meat, vegetables, and broth into a large tureen or soup bowl.

Sprinkle the scallion greens on top for garnish.

Serve piping hot with steamed rice and a side of fish sauce.

Diners can use the fish sauce to adjust the flavor and saltiness of the stew.

If there are leftovers, store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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