Ribeye Nilaga Recipe

Ingredients for Ribeye Nilaga

To prepare this delicious Ribeye Nilaga, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ribeye beef, cut into chunks (bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 medium-sized cabbage, quartered
• 1-2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6-8 cups water
• Optional: string beans or pechay (bok choy) for added veggies
• Calamansi or lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Ribeye Nilaga

This Ribeye Nilaga recipe is easy to prepare, but the key to success is slow simmering, which helps tenderize the beef and develop a rich, flavorful broth. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Start by placing the ribeye beef chunks in a large pot. Fill the pot with 6-8 cups of water, enough to cover the beef. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, you may notice some foam rising to the surface—this is natural. Skim off the foam using a ladle or spoon to ensure a clear broth.

2. Simmer the Beef:

Once the foam is removed, add the quartered onion and minced garlic to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the beef simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it becomes tender and the flavors have melded together. If the water level gets too low during the simmering process, you can add more water as needed.

3. Add the Vegetables:

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add the vegetables. Start by adding the corn, followed by the potatoes, carrots, and any other vegetables you like (such as string beans or pechay). Continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

4. Season the Broth:

Season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more fish sauce or salt if needed. The fish sauce adds a rich umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the corn and vegetables.

5. Finish and Serve:

Once everything is cooked, turn off the heat. You can serve the Ribeye Nilaga immediately, with a squeeze of calamansi (or lemon) to brighten up the flavors. The tender beef, combined with the rich, savory broth and perfectly cooked vegetables, makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

• Tender Beef: Ribeye is a great cut for Nilaga because it’s marbled with fat, which gives it incredible tenderness and flavor when slow-simmered. However, you can also use other cuts of beef like shank or brisket if you prefer.
• Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is essential in this dish as it adds depth of flavor to the broth. If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce, though the taste will be slightly different.
• Customize the Vegetables: While potatoes, carrots, and corn are traditional, you can also add other vegetables like string beans, pechay, or even bok choy. The more veggies you add, the richer the broth will be.
• Skimming the Broth: Skimming the foam off the broth helps ensure a cleaner, more delicate taste. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
• Serve with Rice: Ribeye Nilaga is often served with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious broth. It’s the perfect combination for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Make Ribeye Nilaga Again

Ribeye Nilaga is a perfect example of Filipino comfort food that’s both nourishing and flavorful. The ribeye beef, when slow-simmered, becomes meltingly tender, while the vegetables contribute a fresh, wholesome flavor to the dish. The broth is rich yet light, making it perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner after a long day or preparing a hearty meal for family and friends.

The dish is easy to prepare and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a long-time fan, Ribeye Nilaga will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

So, next time you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, give this Ribeye Nilaga recipe a try. It’s a warm, satisfying bowl of deliciousness that’s perfect for any season! 🍲🍖