top of page
  • Janelle

Instant Pot - Beef Nilaga (Filipino Beef Bone Broth Soup)

Here is another easy Filipino dish using the instant pot! Beef Nilaga is one of my favourite Filipino comfort foods and the instant pot makes it really quick and easy to make.

This recipe is full of flavour due to the use of beef bones which makes a delicious beef bone broth as the base of this dish. It's finished off by adding a variety of veggies that you prefer (or have on hand, during these times). The instant pot really does all the heavy lifting for this recipe and you can have a delicious beef bone broth on your dinner table in under an hour.

This is definitely a staple dish in Filipino households and one that is sure to satisfy a craving for a warm bowl of delicious soup.

Check out the youtube video here and scroll down for the full recipe!

Instant Pot Beef Nilaga

Serves 4

1 tbsp oil (I used vegetable oil)

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tomato, cubed

1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns

1.5 lbs of beef bones (I used large beef back rib bones)

2 small potatoes, cubed

4 bunches of baby bok choy

1 - 2 tablespoons of fish sauce (patis), to your tasting preference

6 - 8 cups of water

salt and pepper to taste

1. Turn your instant pot to saute mode and heat the oil for 1 - 2 minutes. Next add the garlic, onion and saute together for 2 minutes. Once slightly toasted, add the tomato and saute together for another minute.

2. Add the whole black peppercorns, the beef bones and a pinch of salt. Add water, just enough to cover the beef bones. Cover and ensure the instant pot valve is set to sealed. Select the Manual setting and set the time for 35 minutes. (I set mine for 30 minutes, but it could have used an additional 5 minutes)

3. Once done, use the quick release venting. Open when all the pressure has been released and set the instant pot to Saute mode again. You will need to skim the surface of the broth to remove the oil/fat bubbles that have accumulated.

4. Still on saute mode, add fish sauce and the potatoes and let cook for 5 - 8 minutes in the broth. Once the potatoes are softened add the remainder of the vegetables (in this case, the bok choy) and cover, let cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Do a final tasting and add any additional salt, black pepper or fish sauce to your preference. Let the broth simmer for another 5 - 10 minutes and then you're ready to serve. Serve over freshly cooked white rice and then enjoy!

Bonus - Filipino Themed Coloring Pages


For all my Filipino blog readers or anyone who would like to enjoy the colorful Filipino culture, my Etsy Shop Cardinal https://www.etsy.com/listing/998788540/philippines-themed-filipino-coloring?ref=shop_home_active_12&crt=1Colors sells adorable printable coloring pages filled with iconic Philippines images - that can be downloaded instantly! This coloring pack includes 6 print-ready PDF's that have large 8.5'' x 11'' designs that can easily be printed on regular sized paper. Simply print from your home printer, visit your local photo center or print online as many times as you like (for personal use only)


This pack of cute Filipino /Philippines themed coloring sheets is full of adorable, clean, and fun images for anyone to enjoy expressing their creativity. Great for kids and anyone who loves to celebrate the Filipino culture!




bottom of page