Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Filipino beef soup simmered slowly with fresh ginger, potatoes, and cabbage for a flavorful and hearty meal. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 155 minutes pairs pounds beef shank with bone, inch piece, sliced fresh ginger, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 140 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 pounds beef shank with bone and place in a large pot with 10 cups cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Skim off any scum that rises to the surface for 5 minutes to clarify broth.
  3. Step 3: Add 3-inch sliced fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 peeled and quartered potatoes, 2 ears corn cut into thirds, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 small head cabbage wedges and continue cooking for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 155 minutes (15 min prep + 140 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef shank with bone from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ginger-Simmered Beef Nilaga with Vegetables?

Filipino beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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