Nilagang Baka - Filipino Beef Stew with Vegetables
Nilagang Baka is a Filipino beef stew with vegetables which is simmered in clear broth, and flavored with patis (fish sauce). This is one of the easiest and most basic Philippine dishes to cook. It is also a versatile all-in-one entree which can be served for a family meal or a party event.I shared how to cook this in 2 alternate ways: either in the Instant Pot multicooker or on the stovetop. Cooking time shown is for the Instant Pot. It takes at least 2 hours on the stovetop. This is a recipe by Elizabeth Ann Quirino.
Servings: 4 people
Equipment
- Instant Pot - 6 or 8 quarts if using pressure cooker
- Large Stockpot for stovetop cooking
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
- 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 whole large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallion whites, chopped
- 8 to 10 cups beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
- 2 whole large potatoes, peeled, quartered
- 1 bundle Napa cabbage, discard white bottom , slice leaves
- 2 cups green beans, edges trimmed, sliced 2-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 stalks scallion greens, chopped, for garnish
For serving:
- steamed rice
Instructions
To cook stovetop (option 1):
- In a large stockpot, over medium-high heat, add the oil. Saute the garlic, onions and scallion whites. Pour the patis (fish sauce).
- Add the beef short ribs and broth. Season with salt and pepper.Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer.Cover and cook beef for 2 to 3 hours till it is tender and falls off the bone.
- After beef is cooked, add the potatoes. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes till potatoes are soft.Add the Napa cabbage and green beans last. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes more till vegetables are soft.
- Garnish with chopped scallion greens. Serve warm with steamed rice.
To cook in the Instant Pot (option 2):
- Click Saute button on keypad. Pour the oil in the inside pot.When oil is hot enough in about 2 minutes, saute the garlic, onions, and scallions for 2 minutes. Pour the patis.Click Cancel to turn off Saute.
- Add the beef, and potatoes. Pour the broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and lock the lid. Set the valve to Sealing.Click Meats/Stews and cook on HIgh Pressure for 40 minutes.When buzzer sounds to signal cooking is done, do a Quick Release of the valve.
- Carefully open the lid and place on a dry space on counter.Add the cabbage and green beans . Stir to blend.Return the cover. Press Keep Warm and let the residual heat cook the greens for about 8 minutes.
- Garnish with scallion greens. Serve warm with rice.
Cook's comments:
- it takes about 17 minutes after the Saute function is turned off, for the Instant Pot to come to a High Pressure and begin cooking again. For other multicookers, please consult the manual for exact time and safety measures.