In the Visayas and Mindanao, this dish is certain to attract the interest of a great number of prospective readers. The Balbacua is a delectable Filipino cuisine that is particularly well-liked in the regions of the Philippines that are mentioned. Consequently, if you are not familiar with this, just picture a warm and very delectable combination of Kare Kare and Pochero. Our savory Balbacua also has a slightly more subdued flavor that is not overly salty, but it relies on the richness of the tomato sauce to give it a sense of depth.
In reality, the country is home to a large number of different varieties of balbacua. There is a possibility that you have come across the one from Cebu, which in addition to including peanuts, is even more comparable to Kare Kare. Additionally, it may have a hint of sweetness due to the presence of pineapple juice.
Our version, on the other hand, is more straightforward and fundamental, and it is one that you can simply prepare at home. However, you should be aware that it will take quite a bit of time to get the desired level of tenderness in our cow trotters, also known as the feet of the cow. It is imperative that I point out that this particular stage, which would take several hours to complete, is what makes Balbacua so gratifying, and as a result, you cannot just skip it.
If you, like me, found yourself preparing this dish on a chilly day in order to keep yourself warm, allow me to propose some additional recipes that are ideal for the kind of weather that we are experiencing. I have included some other soup recipes for you to look into.
More Pinoy Soup Recipes
Nilagang Baka With Kalabasa
In a manner similar to that of our Balbacua, Nilagang Baka With Kalabasa features an exquisite combination of meat and veggies. As a result, you can anticipate a full lunch that will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide you with the energy you need to carry out your activities. The use of fish sauce to impart a moderate amount of additional flavor to the dish is another similarity between the two dishes.
Spicy Sotanghon Chicken Soup
Do you find yourself yearning for a dish that has a touch of nature’s heat? This Spicy Sotanghon Chicken Soup is the solution to that problem that we have for you. This flavorful and attractive bowl of meaty delight is created by combining ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and, of course, Thai chili pepper. Due to the fact that you will most likely only need approximately forty-five minutes to prepare this dish, it is ideal for days when the temperature is lower and you have less time to devote to cooking.
Cans
When we talk about foods that are popular in the Visayas, this Cansi recipe is an excellent choice for a dinner dish that the whole family can enjoy together. It is comparable to Sinigang and Bulalo, and it is made with beef shank as its primary ingredient. Sinigang ingredients give it a good sharpness, and our broth also has a little bit of spice, so it perfectly complements the dish. Furthermore, our unripe jackfruit contributes a great deal of flavor to the dish.
The moment has come for us to resume our exploration of the process of making our very own Balbacua. Just like the recipes that were just mentioned, this delectable stew may offer you a great deal of nutrients, and not just because it contains a variety of veggies. Additionally, you may rely on the cow trotters to provide you with a substantial amount of collagen. Both your immune system and your skin will benefit greatly from this.
How to Cook Balbacua
1. Sautéing garlic, ginger and onion together
We’re starting with this step to really get the flavors going from our garlic, ginger and onion. Put 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan, and let this get hot. Take the onion you’ve chopped, 2 knobs of ginger you’ve crushed, and 5 cloves of garlic you’ve crushed, and sauté these together. You can set this aside once the onion softens.
2. Getting the cow trotters soft
Place 5 lbs. of cow trotters, 10 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 bunch of lemongrass with the white part cut in 4-inch pieces in a cooking pot. Apply heat, and let the mixture boil. Then set the heat to the lowest available setting. Let this simmer for 3 hours, or until the meat and the fibers on the trotters become tender.
Has this recipe inspired you to look into more Filipino dishes? Discover the best and most unique dishes of Pinoy cuisine right here on the website! Feel free to scroll for more Panlasang Pinoy recipes.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. cow trotters
- 1 Knorr Beef Cube
- 1 bunch lemongrass (white part) cut in 4-inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 3 tablespoons salted black beans
- 1 bunch green onions cut in 2-inch pieces
- 3 Jalapeno pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 10 cups water
- 2 teaspoons annatto powder
- 5 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 knobs ginger crushed
- Fish sauce to taste
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
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Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until the onion softens. Set aside.
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Combine trotters, 10 cups water, ground black pepper, and lemongrass in a cooking pot. Let it boil. Adjust the stove to the lowest heat setting and then simmer for 3 hours or until the meat and fibers on the trotters soften.
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Remove the lemongrass. Add the annatto powder, sauteed aromatics (onion, garlic, and ginger), salted black beans, and Knorr Beef Cube. Continue cooking for 30 minutes.
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Add jalapeno, bell pepper, and green onions. Cook for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
FAQ
What is Balbacua?
Balbacua is a traditional Filipino dish, particularly popular in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, made from slow-cooked beef or oxtail. It is stewed for hours in a flavorful broth with ingredients like peanut butter, tomato sauce, and ginger, resulting in a rich, gelatinous, and hearty dish.
What cut of beef is best for Balbacua?
Oxtail is the most common choice for Balbacua because of its gelatinous texture when cooked for a long time. However, you can also use beef shank, beef skin, or beef tendons for similar results.
How long does it take to cook Balbacua?
Balbacua requires long, slow cooking to tenderize the tough cuts of meat. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours on the stovetop, but you can shorten the time to about 1.5 to 2 hours by using a pressure cooker.
Can I add vegetables to Balbacua?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bok choy, cabbage, or pechay during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a more nutritious and complete meal. However, Balbacua is traditionally served without many vegetables, focusing on the meat and rich broth.
What is the best way to serve Balbacua?
Balbacua is best served hot with a side of steamed rice or pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) to soak up the flavorful broth. Some people also like to enjoy it with a dash of calamansi (Filipino lime) for a citrusy kick or a side of soy sauce mixed with chili for extra flavor.