Description
Dive into the rich flavors of the Filipino culinary scene with balbacua recipe, a slow-cooked beef delicacy that's tender, savory, and bursting with flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef shank or oxtail, cut into serving pieces
- 1/2 kg beef skin (can be optional but traditional)
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts, ground to a paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup annatto oil (for color)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Green beans and eggplant slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Clean the beef shank or oxtail and beef skin thoroughly. Blanch the beef skin in boiling water for a minute, then scrape off any hairs.
- Boil the Meat:
- In a large pot, combine the beef shank or oxtail and beef skin. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the meat, discarding the water.
- Sauté:
- In the same pot, heat cooking oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat:
- Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth or water, bay leaves, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Add the Peanut Sauce:
- Once the meat is tender, stir in the ground peanut paste and annatto oil. Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with steamed rice. You can also add blanched green beans and eggplant slices on the side if desired.
Notes
- Annatto oil not only gives the Balbacua its distinctive color but also adds a subtle earthy flavor. If you can't find annatto seeds or oil, you can use paprika as a substitute for color.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the meat's thickness and the type of pot used. Adjust as necessary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg