Go Back
Beef balbacua.

Beef Balbacua

Beef Balbacua is a slow-simmered stew with oxtail and beef skin that ends up so tender it almost melts in your mouth. The broth is deep and sticky, infused with ginger, annatto oil, and a hint of peanut butter that gives it a rich, savory twist. It's perfect when you want something hearty, meaty, and totally different from your usual ulam. It goes great with rice or bread to soak up every drop.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For Boiling

  • 1 kilogram Oxtail (cut into serving pieces)
  • 500 gram Beef Skin (optional)
  • 2 stalks Lemongrass
  • 8 cups Water
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce / Patis
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (whole)
  • 1 piece Ginger thumb-sized(sliced)
  • 3 stalks Onion Leeks
  • 1 pack Sibut (optional)
  • 5 pieces Bay Leaves

For Sauteing

  • 3 tbsp Annatto Oil / 1 teaspoon annatto powder
  • 1 piece Ginger thumb-sized(sliced)
  • 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 piece Onion large(chopped)
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (strips)
  • 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (strips)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (powder)
  • 1 cup Black Beans / Tausi
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil the oxtail and beef skin for 10 minutes to remove impurities.
  • Boil again another pot of water with salt and simmer the oxtail and beef skin for 15 minutes, drain and clean the meat.
  • In a pressure cooker, put 8 cups of water, 1 tbsp salt,1 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp whole black pepper, 1 thumb ginger, 3 stalks onion leeks, 1 pack sibut and 5 pieces of bay leaves. Put back the oxtail and beef skin and let it boil for 1 hour to 1 and half hours or until the meat and skin is tender.
  • In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of annatto oil then saute 1 thumb ginger(strips), 8 cloves minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped red and green bell peppers, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp black pepper powder, 1 can black beans and 2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • After a few minutes add 1 cup beef broth to a boil and add 2 tbsp peanut butter(optional). Then add the oxtail and beef skin.
  • Add 3 cups of beef broth, bring to a boil until sauce thickens.
  • Served in a bowl and garnish with chopped green onions.

Watch this!