Step 1

Place beef shanks in a pot and add water and salt. Cover and cook over high heat and bring to a rolling boil.

Step 2

Drain the water from the pot. Rinse the meat and the pot.

Step 3

Return the meat to the pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Cover and bring to a boil over low heat.

Step 4

Remove the cover and add onion, lemongrass, and salt to taste. Cover and simmer until beef is fork-tender.

Step 5

Add the batwan, cover the pot again and cook until soft.

Step 6

Place annatto seeds in a small fine-mesh sieve/ strainer. Submerge it into the pot and press to release the color.

Step 7

Add unripe langka and cook until tender. Add chilis and simmer for about 3 mins.

Step 8

Remove from heat and serve while piping hot.