Kare Kare Recipe: Authentic Filipino Beef and Oxtail Peanut Stew posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email Jump to Recipe SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For anyone who has yet to experience the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Filipino kare kare recipe, you are in for a treat. This hearty dish, often served at special occasions, is a labor of love that combines tender beef, ox tail, and an array of vegetables in a thick peanut sauce. It is one of the favorite dishes in Filipino cuisine and is guaranteed to bring a warm, comforting vibe to your dining table. The Origins of The Kare Kare Recipe The kare kare recipe has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Indian soldiers who settled in the Philippines. The word ‘kare’ is believed to have been derived from the word ‘curry’. However, the stew, unlike curry, does not have a spicy flavor. Instead, it is a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a popular dish in Filipino households and restaurants. Choosing Your Meat Ingredient for Kare Kare Beef is typically the star of a classic Filipino stew like kare kare. You can use cuts like beef chuck, beef shank, or even ox tripe. For a more traditional recipe, ox tail is commonly used. Some even include pork hock for an extra depth of flavor. You can also find variations like seafood kare-kare or vegetable kare-kare for those who prefer a lighter or meatless option. Preparing Your Kare Kare Recipe: The Best Way to Cook Your Meat When preparing your kare kare recipe, the best results come from slow-cooking the meat until it is fork-tender. This can be achieved by using a pressure cooker or an instant pot. You’ll want to add enough water and beef broth to cover the meat and cook at high pressure for about 30 minutes. Be sure to let the pressure release naturally for the most tender results. Sautéing the Vegetables for Your Kare Kare Recipe Sautéing the vegetables is a crucial step in the cooking process of the kare kare recipe. Start with a bit of oil on medium heat in your stock pot or pan. You can use a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, string beans, long beans, or green beans. Additionally, banana blossoms or banana heart are often included in this hearty dish. Making the Thick Peanut Sauce for Kare Kare The hallmark of a good kare kare recipe is its thick, savory peanut sauce. This is made by combining ground peanuts or peanut butter with ground rice or glutinous rice flour. The secret to getting that distinctive orange-red color and added flavor is the use of annatto powder or annatto seeds soaked in water to make annatto water. Serving Your Kare Kare Recipe Once your kare kare is ready, it’s traditionally served with a side of sautéed shrimp paste, known as bagoong alamang or ginisang bagoong. This is a fermented shrimp paste that adds a unique umami flavor to the dish. Don’t forget the steaming bowl of plain white rice on the side, as it perfectly complements the rich flavors of the stew. Extra Tips for Your Kare Kare Recipe Remember, preparing a kare kare recipe is a labor of love. Don’t rush the cooking process. Allow the flavors to meld together for the best taste. For a quicker version, you can use ready-made kare kare mix available in most Asian supermarkets. For a peanut-free option, consider using a food processor to grind sunflower seeds as an alternative. Lastly, consider sharing your masterpiece on TikTok – make your followers drool over your delicious Filipino dish! Conclusion Now that you’ve learned about the kare kare recipe, it’s time to try it out for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this classic Filipino stew is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with this popular Filipino dish. Enjoy your cooking journey! Continue to Content Authentic Filipino Kare-Kare Recipe Yield: 6 Servings Prep Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 3 hours Delight your taste buds with the traditional Filipino dish, Kare-Kare. This unique dish is a peanut butter-based stew, filled with a variety of vegetables and meat. It's a culinary delight that's rich in flavor and history, perfect for family gatherings or any festive occasions. Print Ingredients meat 2 lbs oxtail, cut in small pieces 1/2 lb tripe, optional condiments 1 cup unsalted peanut butter 1 cup shrimp paste 2 tablespoons vinegar grains 1/2 cup ground rice vegetables 2 pieces eggplant, sliced 1 bundle bok choy 1 bundle string beans, cut in 2 inch pieces 1 large banana blossom, quartered 1 large onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, chopped liquids 4 cups beef broth 4 cups water seasoning Salt to taste 1 tablespoon sugar oils Cooking oil Cooking oil Instructions Start by preparing the meat. In a large pot, combine the oxtail, tripe (if using), water, and a pinch of salt. Boil for about 10 minutes, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the meat is tender. This process usually takes about 1-2 hours.While the meat is simmering, you can prepare your vegetables. Blanch the eggplant, bok choy, string beans, and banana blossom in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.In a pan, toast the ground rice over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Set aside.In a separate pot, sauté the onions and garlic in cooking oil until they become translucent.Add the peanut butter and toasted ground rice to the pot. Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.Once the meat is tender, remove it from the broth and add it to the pot with the peanut butter and rice mixture.Add the beef broth to the pot and stir well, ensuring all ingredients are mixed. Simmer for about 20 minutes.While the stew is simmering, prepare the shrimp paste. In a pan, sauté the garlic and onion until they are translucent. Then add the shrimp paste, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.Add the blanched vegetables to the stew and cook for another 5 minutes.Season with salt to taste.Serve the Kare-Kare hot with a side of shrimp paste. Notes You can use a pressure cooker to speed up the process of tenderizing the oxtail and tripe. If you're not a fan of oxtail or tripe, you can substitute it with beef or pork. The shrimp paste is an essential part of the Kare-Kare experience, but it can be omitted for those allergic to shrimps. Nutrition Information: Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 550Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1000mgCarbohydrates: 30gNet Carbohydrates: 23gFiber: 7gSugar: 6gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 30g
