Why Make This Recipe
Papaitan is a traditional Filipino dish that brings a unique burst of flavors, perfect for adventurous eaters. This hearty soup is not only comforting but is also packed with nutrients. The inclusion of various beef parts offers a rich and distinctive taste that many find irresistible. If you want to explore Filipino cuisine deeper, making Papaitan is a must!
How to Make Papaitan
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kilo beef heart, cubed
- 1/2 kilo beef small intestine, cleaned
- 1/2 kilo beef tripe, cleaned
- 1/4 kilo beef liver, cubed
- 1/2 kilo beef kidney, cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons of calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 beef broth cube
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 thumbs ginger
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 pieces long green pepper, sliced
- 8 cups water
- Beef bile to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Directions:
- Wash beef tripe and small intestine. Boil with ginger and dried bay leaves for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the pot and let it cool down. Slice into bite-size pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion softens.
- Add beef heart and kidney. Sauté until it turns light brown. Put the tripe and small intestines into the pot. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour water into the pot. Let it boil. Adjust heat to low. Continue boiling until beef heart and kidney tenderizes.
- Add beef liver and bile. Stir. Cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Add the beef broth cube and the calamansi juice, then put long green peppers into the pot and season with salt and ground black pepper. Stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Papaitan
Serve Papaitan hot in a bowl, garnished with extra long green pepper if desired. It pairs well with steamed rice, which helps balance the strong flavors of the soup. Enjoy this hearty dish with family and friends!
How to Store Papaitan
If you have leftovers, let the Papaitan cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Papaitan
- Ensure that you clean the beef intestines thoroughly to remove any unpleasant odors.
- Adjust the amount of beef bile according to your taste preference; start with a little and add more if needed.
- Feel free to tweak the amount of calamansi juice to increase the sourness to your liking.
Variation
You can make a milder version of Papaitan by limiting the use of beef bile. Some versions also incorporate other spices or veggies for added flavor and nutrients.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?
Yes, while traditional Papaitan uses beef, you can experiment with goat or pork for a different taste.
2. What can I use if I can’t find calamansi?
You can substitute calamansi with fresh lemon or lime juice.
3. Is Papaitan spicy?
Papaitan is not necessarily spicy, but you can add chili peppers if you want more heat.
Enjoy exploring this flavorful dish that is a staple in Filipino dining!

Papaitan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo beef heart, cubed
- 1/2 kilo beef small intestine, cleaned
- 1/2 kilo beef tripe, cleaned
- 1/4 kilo beef liver, cubed
- 1/2 kilo beef kidney, cubed
Flavoring and Broth
- 2-3 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 cube beef broth cube
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 thumbs ginger
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 pieces long green pepper, sliced
- 8 cups water
- to taste beef bile
- to taste salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash beef tripe and small intestine. Boil with ginger for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the pot and let it cool down. Slice into bite-size pieces.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion softens.
- Add beef heart and kidney. Sauté until it turns light brown.
- Put the tripe and small intestines into the pot. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour water into the pot. Let it boil. Adjust heat to low. Continue boiling until beef heart and kidney tenderize.
- Add beef liver and bile. Stir. Cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
- Add the beef broth cube and the calamansi juice, then put long green peppers into the pot and season with salt and ground black pepper. Stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Ready to serve and enjoy.