Beef Nilaga, also known as Bulalo, is a classic Filipino comfort food. This comforting soup is all about tender beef shanks simmered with bone marrow, vegetables, and rich broth. Traditionally, it takes hours to cook on the stovetop, but with the Instant Pot, we can achieve the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time.
In this guide, we’ll go through everything about Beef Nilaga (Bulalo) Instant Pot Recipe—its origins, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, serving suggestions, and variations you can try at home.
Contents
What is Beef Nilaga (Bulalo)?
Beef Nilaga, also called Bulalo in Southern Luzon, is a Filipino boiled soup made with beef shanks and marrow bones. The dish is popular for its clear yet flavorful broth, loaded with cabbage, potatoes, corn, and pechay (bok choy). It’s traditionally served hot with fish sauce and calamansi on the side.
Bulalo is loved not only for its taste but also for its nutritional value—rich in collagen, protein, and essential minerals from the bone marrow.
Why Cook Bulalo in an Instant Pot?
Cooking Bulalo the traditional way takes 2–3 hours of simmering to tenderize the beef. With an Instant Pot, you can reduce the cooking time to just 45–60 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Benefits of using an Instant Pot:
- Faster cooking time with tender results.
- Rich broth without hours of simmering.
- Energy efficient and convenient.
- Locks in flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients for Beef Nilaga (Bulalo)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Shank with Bone Marrow (Bulalo cut) – the star of the dish, gives flavor and richness.
- Onion & Garlic – aromatic base for the broth.
- Peppercorns & Bay Leaves – for a balanced taste.
- Fish Sauce (Patis) or Salt – for seasoning.
- Corn on the Cob – adds natural sweetness.
- Potatoes – hearty and filling.
- Cabbage & Pechay (Bok Choy) – vegetables that complete the soup. Water or Beef Broth – the base of the soup.
Nilaga with Banana (Saba): Adds natural sweetness and Filipino authenticity
Optional: green beans, saba bananas, or carrots for extra texture and sweetness.
Instant Pot Bulalo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Rinse beef shanks under cold water to remove blood and impurities. For a clearer broth, blanch the beef in boiling water for 5 minutes, then discard the water.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a bit of oil, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef
Add beef shanks, peppercorns, bay leaves, and water (or beef broth). Season lightly with fish sauce.
- Set to High Pressure for 45 minutes.
- Let it naturally release for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Open the lid, skim off excess fat, and add corn and potatoes. Pressure cook again for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Greens
Add cabbage and pechay. Set to “Sauté” mode and cook for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
Tips for the Best Beef Nilaga
Use fresh beef shank with visible marrow for maximum flavor.
Blanch beef before pressure cooking to avoid cloudy broth.
Don’t overcook vegetables; add them last to retain crunch and color.
Adjust seasoning with fish sauce or salt only after cooking, as broth intensifies in flavor under pressure.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Nilaga is best with:
- Steamed white rice.
- Fish sauce with calamansi or lemon for dipping.
- Sliced chili for extra kick.
With pickled green papaya (atchara), it’s even better!
Variations of Beef Nilaga
- Nilagang Baka (Beef Soup without Marrow): Uses beef brisket or ribs.
- Spicy Bulalo: Add sili (long green chili) for mild heat.
- Nilaga with Banana (Saba): Adds natural sweetness and Filipino authenticity.
- Seafood Nilaga: Substitute beef with fish or shrimp for a lighter broth.
Nutritional Value of Bulalo
A serving of Bulalo has:
- Protein: For muscle repair and growth.
- Collagen: Good for skin and joints.
- Iron & Zinc: Boosts immunity and blood health.
- Fiber & Vitamins: From the fresh veggies.
While nutritious, Bulalo is high in fat, so best enjoyed occasionally.
Conclusion
Cooking Beef Nilaga (Bulalo) in an Instant Pot makes this Filipino classic a weeknight-friendly dish. The result is a comforting, flavorful soup with tender beef, rich marrow, and veggies that warms the soul. Perfect for family gatherings, rainy days, or when you crave authentic Filipino home cooking.
Beef Nilaga (Bulalo) Instant Pot Recipe Made Easy
Make Beef Nilaga (Bulalo) in your Instant Pot! A hearty Filipino soup with tender beef shank and veggies, ready in under an hour.
Ingredient
Instructions
Directions
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Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the "Sauté" function for about 10 seconds. Add sliced onions and cook for ~2 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
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Brown the Beef
Add beef shank pieces and brown on all sides—this deepens flavor.
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Pressure Cook Beef
Pour in water or broth, add fish sauce, salt, and peppercorns. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 30 minutes.
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Layer in the Vegetables
Once cooking finishes, release pressure (quick or natural). Add potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli in layers. Close lid again and cook on High Pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
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Serve and Garnish
Carefully release pressure. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring you include tender beef, marrow, and veggies. Garnish with green onions. Serve with steamed rice for the ultimate cozy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 447kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Sodium 130mg6%
- Potassium 1800mg52%
- Total Carbohydrate 62g21%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Protein 37g74%
- Vitamin A 37 IU
- Vitamin C 60 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Why You’ll Love This
This Instant Pot–friendly Beef Nilaga (Bulalo) is the kind of cozy, soulful meal that warms you from the inside out. With minimal hands-on time, you still get that rich, comforting broth teeming with tender beef, marrow, and veggies—without long simmering on the stove.
Just made this Beef Nilaga in my Instant Pot—turned out so comforting and flavorful! The meat was tender and the broth was rich without any fuss. My family couldn’t stop digging in. Thanks for the great recipe!