Traditional Filipino Pinapaitan Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg Beef innards (tripe, intestines, heart, liver, and kidneys)
500 g Beef, cut into chunks
1 tbsp Bile
2 tbsp Salt
2 tbsp Ginger, minced
1 head Garlic, minced
2 Onions, chopped
3 Lemongrass stalks
6 pieces Red chili peppers
2 tbsp Peppercorns
2 tbsp Vinegar
5 pieces Bay leaves
1 tbsp Cooking oil
Water for boiling

Steps and instructions

Clean the beef innards thoroughly. Soak in water with salt and vinegar for about 30 minutes then rinse. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, pour enough water to cover the innards and beef. Add salt and bay leaves, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the innards are tender.
While the innards are boiling, heat oil in a pan. Sauté the ginger, garlic, onions, and lemongrass until fragrant.
Add the sautéed mixture into the pot of boiled innards and beef. Mix well.
Add the red chili peppers, peppercorns, and bile. Stir and let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
Adjust the taste with more salt or bile as needed. Serve hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - For boiling the beef innards and beef chunks.
Pan - For sautéing the ginger, garlic, onions, and lemongrass.
Knife - For cutting the beef innards and beef into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the salt, ginger, garlic, and bile.
Tongs - For handling the innards and beef while boiling and transferring them into the pot.
Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
Strainer - For rinsing the beef innards after soaking.

Recipe variations

Use lamb or goat innards instead of beef innards for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or green beans for added texture and nutrients.
Replace the beef with pork or chicken for a different protein option.
For a spicier version, add more red chili peppers or include other hot peppers like jalapenos or Thai chilies.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, or cumin to enhance the flavor.
For a milder taste, omit the bile and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Add coconut milk or coconut cream to create a richer and creamier broth.
Include other offal cuts like spleen or lungs for a more adventurous variation.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the innards and meat with plant-based alternatives like mushrooms, tofu, or seitan.
Serve the pinapaitan with a side of steamed rice or bread for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Pinapaitan is a traditional Filipino soup dish known for its bitter flavor, hence the name which is derived from "pait", the Filipino word for bitter. It's a hearty stew made primarily from beef innards, making it a unique delicacy not for the faint of heart but well-loved by many. The bitterness is derived from the bile used, which is an essential ingredient providing the dish its distinct character. Preparing Pinapaitan may require more effort than the usual recipes, but the rich, savory, and slightly spicy soup, coupled with the tender innards and beef, makes it totally worth it. This recipe will guide you step by step to ensure you can enjoy this authentic Filipino fare right at home.

Common questions

Can I use different types of beef innards? Yes, you can use different types of beef innards according to your preference. Tripe, intestines, heart, liver, and kidneys are commonly used in pinapaitan.
How do I clean the beef innards? Clean the innards thoroughly by soaking them in water with salt and vinegar for about 30 minutes. Rinse them afterwards before proceeding with the recipe.
What is bile and where can I get it? Bile is a bitter greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver. It can be obtained from the bile ducts of freshly slaughtered animals. You can usually find it in specialty butcher shops or ask your local butcher if they have it available.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer red chili peppers. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences.
How can I make the pinapaitan less bitter? If you find the pinapaitan too bitter, you can reduce the bitterness by soaking the beef innards in water with salt and vinegar for a longer period of time. Some people also prefer to blanch the innards in boiling water before cooking to further reduce the bitterness.
What can I serve with pinapaitan? Pinapaitan is often served with steamed rice or paired with crusty bread. It can also be enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables or paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - Used for boiling the beef innards and beef.
Pan - Used for sautéing the ginger, garlic, onions, and lemongrass.
Knife - Used for cutting the beef innards into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the salt, ginger, and garlic.
Tongs - Helpful for handling and flipping the innards and beef pieces while boiling.
Ladle - Used for scooping and serving the pinapaitan stew.
Chopping board - Used for chopping the onions and red chili peppers.
Grater - Optional tool for grating the ginger and garlic.

Origin stories

Pinapaitan, a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine, has a humble origin from the Ilocano people, a tribe in the northern part of the Philippines. The name 'Pinapaitan' literally translates to 'made bitter' in English, which comes from the word 'Pait', meaning bitter. This refers to the defining sensation of the dish, which is achieved by adding bile. Originally, Pinapaitan was conceived out of the necessity to use every part of the butchered animal. Hence, the use of innards. Over time, it has evolved into a comfort food enjoyed by many, regardless of class and status, a testament to Filipino's innovative and resourceful culinary spirit. Despite the dish's bitterness, it is interesting to note that it has a certain charm that draws people in. It's as if the dish tells a story of resilience and survival, reflecting the same qualities of the Ilocanos and the Filipino people in general.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.