Papaitan or Offal & Bile Bitter

User profile image
Leila B. Abari (@leilakusinera)

Exotic traditional Ilocano dish made with beef internal organs and bile, offering a unique bitter flavor.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
2hr
Papaitan or Offal & Bile Bitter recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2kg
    beef internal organs (tripe, liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, intestines)
  • 1/4kg
    ox tripe
  • 1/4cup
    beef bile or apdo
  • 1/4kg
    beef meat (optional)
  • 1piece
    big onion, chopped
  • 1
    head garlic, minced
  • 100g
    ginger, slivered and grated
  • 1/4cup
    chopped spring onion
  • 2piece
    red chili pepper or green chili
  • 3tbsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    ground pepper
  • 1tbsp
    fish sauce
  • 2tbsp
    tamarind powder or extract
  • 1L
    water
  • 3piece
    laurel leaves
  • 1/2tbsp
    peppercorn

How to make Papaitan or Offal & Bile Bitter

Preparation

  1. Wash and mash the internal organs with banana leaves and 3 tbsp of salt to remove the musky odor. Ensure the intestines are very clean.

Cooking

  1. Boil the internal organs in a large pot with 2 laurel leaves and peppercorn until tender. Remove from liquid and cut into ½ inch cubes. Set aside.

  2. Sauté ginger, garlic, and onion, then add crushed bay leaf. Stir fry until the onions are cooked.

  3. Add the ox tripe and internal organs. Stir fry until some broth comes out of the internal organs.

  4. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir fry for a few minutes, then pour enough broth to cover all ingredients.

  5. Simmer until the ox tripe is cooked. Add red chili peppers and green chili, and pour the bile little by little to prevent the dish from becoming too bitter.

  6. Season with fish sauce, adjusting to preference. Optionally, add tamarind for a little sourness and more grated ginger. Simmer.

  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped spring onions and calamansi.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

363.3kcal (18.17%)

Protein

33.3g (66.66%)

Carbs

8.3g (3.03%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.66%)

Healthy Fat

6.8g

Unhealthy Fat

6.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If you can't find bile, you can add whole lemon or calamansi in the boiling stock, or use bitter gourd leaves and fruits.

  2. Blanched ampalaya (bitter gourd) can be added, either pulsed in a blender or chopped finely, then added to the soup and simmered.

FAQS

  1. How do I properly clean beef internal organs for Papaitan?

    To clean beef internal organs for Papaitan, wash and mash them with banana leaves and 3 tablespoons of salt. This process helps remove any musky odor. Make sure to thoroughly clean the intestines to ensure they are free of impurities.

  2. What are some dietary substitutions for making Papaitan?

    If you're looking for dietary substitutions in Papaitan, you can replace beef internal organs with chicken or pork organs for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms or tofu, but keep in mind that the unique bitter flavor from the bile will be lost.

  3. How should I store leftover Papaitan?

    To store leftover Papaitan, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

  4. What dishes pair well with Papaitan?

    Papaitan pairs well with steamed rice, which balances its strong flavors. You can also serve it with a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad to complement the dish. For drinks, consider pairing it with a cold beer or a refreshing calamansi juice.

  5. What is the best way to adjust the bitterness in Papaitan?

    To adjust the bitterness in Papaitan, add the beef bile gradually while cooking. This allows you to control the bitterness level according to your preference. If it becomes too bitter, you can balance it out with a bit of tamarind powder or extract for a hint of sourness.

Loading reviews...

leilakusinera's profile picture
instagram

Leila B. Abari

(@leilakusinera)

A filipina Multi - Cuisine Chef born in Philippines with a 12years of experience as proffesion but started my on hand cooking at the age...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia