Are you craving a heartwarming bowl of deliciousness that'll chase away the chills and nourish your soul? Look no further than this authentic Beef Caldo de Res recipe! This classic Filipino soup is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with rich beefy flavor and tender vegetables. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in, and a wonderful way to showcase the magic of homemade cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe will guide you to a delicious and satisfying meal. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 8 servings of this healthy meal.
- 2 lbs beef shank, bone-in (for richer flavor) or beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and smashed
- 6 cups beef broth (or water + 2 beef bouillon cubes)
- 4 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup daikon radish, peeled and chopped (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Chinese cabbage or bok choy, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- Fish sauce (patis), to taste (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef, onion, garlic, ginger, beef broth, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface during the simmering process will result in a clearer broth.
Add the Vegetables:
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After 2 hours, add the carrots, celery, and daikon radish (if using). Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
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Add the green beans and Chinese cabbage/bok choy. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season and Serve:
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Season the Caldo de Res with salt and fish sauce (if using) to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with a side of cooked rice. Enjoy this delicious dish!
Cooking Tips for the Best Caldo de Res:
- For an even richer flavor, use bone-in beef shank. The bone marrow adds incredible depth to the broth.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with vegetables! Other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or mushrooms would also be delicious additions.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- If you want a clearer broth, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Caldo de Res: Add a few slices of fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Caldo de Res: Substitute the beef with a hearty mix of mushrooms, potatoes, and other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Chicken Caldo de Res: Substitute the beef with chicken pieces for a lighter yet equally flavorful soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on beef choice and added ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Beef Caldo de Res recipe is a true testament to the beauty of simple, delicious food. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Try it out and experience the comforting warmth of this Filipino classic! It's sure to become a new family favorite.