If you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine, you’ve probably heard of “Bulalo” or “Bulalo Soup”. But have you ever wondered what cut of meat is used to make this delicious dish?
In Tagalog, it’s called “Beef Shank” or “Kenchi”. This flavorful cut of meat is taken from the leg of the cow and is known for its rich, beefy taste.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways Filipinos use beef shank in their cuisine and how you can enjoy it at home. So, let’s dive into the world of beef shank in Tagalog cuisine!
What Is Beef Shank In Tagalog?
As mentioned earlier, beef shank in Tagalog is called “Kenchi”. It is a boneless version of the popular cut known as “Bulalo” or beef shank. The beef shank is taken from either the front or back knee joints of the steer and is a flavorful cut due to its dark meat.
The Kenchi, on the other hand, is just the muscle that makes up the meaty parts of the Bulalo. It is marbled with sinew and tendon, which delivers supreme beefy flavor. Even without the bone, this meat cut still delivers in terms of flavor.
What Is Beef Shank And Where Does It Come From?
Beef shank is a cut of meat that is taken from the leg portion of a cow or bull. This area is located beneath the brisket, and the shank meat is cut from the leg above the knee to the shoulder or hip. The former is the cut for the forelegs, and the latter is for the hind legs. Due to the constant use of this muscle by the animal, it tends to be tough, dry, and sinewy, making it best when cooked for a long time in moist heat.
The shank is a small cut compared to other primal cuts of beef, and it is full of connective tissue, which makes it quite tough. The shank cross cut is the only real cut, but it goes by different names such as “beef fore shank” and “beef Osso Bucco cut”. Shank meat is generally cut horizontally in thin slices, and it resembles a steak with a leg bone circle.
In the UK, the corresponding cuts of beef are the shin (the foreshank) and the leg (the hindshank). In Australia, it is commonly sold from butchers as gravy beef for boneless shanks or as osso buco with bone-in.
How Is Beef Shank Used In Filipino Cuisine?
Beef shank is a popular ingredient in Filipino cuisine, particularly in the preparation of the famous dish called Bulalo. This dish is a soup-based recipe that is made by slowly boiling beef shanks until they become tender, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that is fortified with bone marrow.
Aside from being used as a soup base, beef shank can also be cooked in other ways. One popular method is to prepare it as a version of beef asado, which involves using soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and star anise to create a savory and aromatic dish.
Another way to use beef shank is by braising or simmering it until it becomes tender before using it in other recipes. One popular way to serve beef shank is by sizzling it on a hot plate and pouring creamy mushroom sauce over it.
The Traditional Filipino Dish: Bulalo Soup
One of the most popular dishes that use beef shank or Kenchi is the traditional Filipino soup called Bulalo. This hearty soup is made by slow-cooking beef shanks and bone marrow until the collagen and fat have been melted into the clear broth. The addition of vegetables like cabbage, corn, scallions, onions, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce adds depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor.
Bulalo is said to have originated from the Southern Luzon region of the Philippines, particularly in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite. It is a staple dish in these areas and is often served in restaurants and food establishments 24/7. In fact, Tagaytay, a popular tourist destination in Cavite, is known as the Bulalo Capital of the Philippines.
The preparation of Bulalo typically takes a few hours of slow cooking to tenderize the beef shanks. However, some modern versions of the recipe utilize a pressure cooker to cut down on cooking time. Despite its lengthy preparation process, Bulalo remains one of the most beloved soup recipes in the Philippines.
Aside from its delicious flavor, Bulalo is also a nutritious dish. The beef shanks are a good source of protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals to the dish. It’s also a comforting meal that warms both the stomach and soul.
Other Popular Filipino Beef Shank Dishes To Try
Aside from Bulalo, there are other popular Filipino beef shank dishes worth trying. One of which is the Kare-Kare, a stew made with oxtail, beef shank, and vegetables. It is cooked in a peanut sauce and served with bagoong or shrimp paste. Another dish is the Pochero, a hearty stew made with beef shank, tomato sauce, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It is usually served with rice and a side of banana or plantain.
Another popular dish is the Sinigang na Corned Beef, which uses corned beef shank as the main ingredient. It is cooked in a sour tamarind broth with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and kangkong or water spinach. This dish is perfect for those who love sour and savory flavors.
Lastly, there’s the Bulalo Steak, which is a modern take on the traditional Bulalo soup. It features tender beef shank steak served with mashed potatoes and gravy. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of Bulalo in a different way.
How To Cook Beef Shank At Home: Tips And Tricks
Cooking beef shank at home can seem daunting, but with a little patience and some helpful tips, it can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Here are some tips and tricks for cooking beef shank at home:
1. Plan for time: Cooking beef shank requires time, so plan on cooking it for at least 4 to 6 hours to transform it from tough and chewy to tender and flavorful. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time.
2. Use low temperature: Beef shanks are best cooked slowly at a low temperature to bring out their nutritional value and rich flavor. The bone and cartilage in the shanks are rich sources of important nutritional minerals, which seep out as the shanks simmer or cook.
3. Don’t be afraid of the flavor: Some people claim that beef shank can be “gamey” or strong flavored, but it is actually a delicious cut that has more flavor than a basic burger. It is important to embrace the flavor and enjoy it.
4. Save the bones: After cooking your beef shank, save the bones and make a rich and nutritious bone broth from them. This is a great way to maximize the nutritional value of this cut.
5. Try different cooking methods: There are several ways to cook beef shank, including braising, simmering, searing, and roasting. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite way of cooking this cut.