JojoM

A comforting and hearty Filipino boiled beef soup made with tender shank, root vegetables, and cabbage in a clear broth.
Few dishes capture the essence of Filipino home cooking quite like Beef Nilaga. This classic boiled beef soup is loved for its simplicity, clean flavors, and heart-warming broth. Made with tender beef shank simmered low and slow, plus sweet corn, root vegetables, and fresh cabbage, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort with every spoonful.
Nilaga is all about purity of flavor. The beef is gently simmered until soft, infusing the broth with richness without the heaviness of stews. Corn adds sweetness, potatoes bring body, and cabbage provides that signature fresh finish. It’s a dish served in Filipino homes all year round—especially during rainy days when something warm and nourishing is needed.
This version keeps things classic, with optional ways to deepen the flavor such as searing the beef or adding garlic and bay leaf. Whether kept light or made more robust, the result is always satisfying.
The foundation of Nilaga is its clear broth, achieved by bringing the beef to a gentle boil and consistently skimming impurities. Beef shank or brisket works wonderfully thanks to their collagen, which turns the broth silky as it cooks.
Sweet corn cobs, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and cabbage create a wonderful harmony of textures—soft, crisp, tender, and juicy. A splash of fish sauce ties everything together with a savory depth.
Nilaga thrives on simplicity—proper timing and gentle simmering make all the difference.
Serve your Beef Nilaga piping hot with steamed rice, allowing the broth to soak into the grains for the perfect comforting bite. Top with spring onions or fried garlic for extra aroma and crunch.
This soup embodies Filipino comfort food: humble ingredients, nourishing warmth, and a broth that tastes like it’s been nurtured with care. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, always evolving with personal touches—saba bananas, pechay, sweet potato, or whatever the home cook has on hand.
Whether you grew up with it or are discovering it for the first time, Filipino Beef Nilaga is a timeless dish that brings people to the table, warms the spirit, and satisfies in the simplest, most genuine way.
Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy, home-style classic! 🍲✨
A comforting and hearty Filipino boiled beef soup made with tender shank, root vegetables, and cabbage in a clear broth.

Searing the beef adds richer flavor but can be skipped for a lighter broth.
Skim the scum regularly for a clearer soup.
Add vegetables in stages to prevent overcooking.
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Optional - Heat oil in a large pot and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Place the beef (seared or raw) in a pot. Add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Skim off any scum.
Add onion, peppercorns, and fish sauce or salt. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender. Optionally add bay leaf and crushed garlic.
Add corn and potatoes; simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Add carrots and green beans; simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
Add cabbage and cook just until wilted.
Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or salt to taste.
Serve hot in bowls with steamed rice. Garnish with spring onions or fried garlic if desired.
6/10/2025
I appreciate the step-by-step format. It was my first time making nilaga and it turned out so well. Will definitely make again!
6/9/2025
Good classic Filipino comfort food. I let it simmer low and slow while I cleaned the house—came back to the most fragrant pot of soup!
6/8/2025
Used brisket and added saba bananas on a whim—turned out great! Thanks for the tip on skimming the broth. It really made a difference.
6/7/2025
Loved the clarity of the instructions. I skipped searing the beef and it still turned out delicious and light. Perfect for a rainy day.
6/6/2025
This nilaga recipe reminded me so much of my childhood! The broth was so comforting and rich, especially with the added corn and cabbage.
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Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Michael Matthews (adapted by JojoM)