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Pininyahang Baka
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5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Pininyahang Baka (Beef with Pineapples)

Discover the rich and creamy flavors of pininyahang baka, a classic Filipino dish blending tender beef, sweet pineapples, and savory coconut milk. A must-try recipe!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: beef with pineapples, ginataang baka, pininyahang baka
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 471kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo lean beef sliced into cubes
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 pc beef broth cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 pc onion chopped
  • 1 pc birds eye chili or siling labuyo chopped
  • 2 pcs laurel leaves
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or evaporated milk mixed with 1 tsp. cornstarch
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 small can pineapple chunks
  • 1 pc red bell peppers sliced into strips
  • 1 pc long green pepper sliced into strips
  • ground black pepper
  • Magic sarap or any granulated seasoning optional

Instructions

How to Cook Pininyahang Baka:

  • Cook the beef in boiling water with laurel leaves and pepper until tender. Set aside.
  • In an empty pan, heat oil and saute garlic and onion until garlic is brown and onion is transparent.
  • Put the cooked beef and stir fry for a few minutes.
  • Pour the pineapple juice, broth cube and chili and simmer for a few minutes.
  • Then pour the evaporated milk or the coconut milk with cornstarch.
  • Put the red bell pepper, green pepper, sugar and pineapple chunks.
  • Season with salt and granulated seasoning (Magic Sarap). Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Tenderizing the Beef for Maximum Flavor

To ensure your beef is tender and flavorful, simmer it slowly with laurel leaves and pepper until it softens. If time is an issue, use a pressure cooker to cut down on cooking time while locking in the flavors. Always avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the meat instead of achieving the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Balancing Sweetness and Creaminess

Pineapple juice and coconut milk bring a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors to this dish. To avoid overpowering sweetness, use pure pineapple juice instead of sweetened varieties. For a creamier sauce, mix a little cornstarch into the coconut milk before adding it to the pot, ensuring a velvety consistency.

Enhancing the Dish with Fresh Ingredients

Always use fresh red and green bell peppers for a vibrant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and sauce. Freshly ground pepper and a touch of chili elevate the dish, adding a hint of spice. Finish with fresh pineapple chunks for a burst of natural sweetness that ties all the flavors together.