Authentic Filipino Kare-Kare Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef (cut into chunks)
  • 1 kg oxtail (cut 2 inch long)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup ground roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup shrimp paste
  • 2 pcs onions (diced)
  • 2 heads garlic (minced)
  • 4 pcs eggplants (sliced 1 inch thick)
  • 1 bundle Pechay (Bok choy) - separated leaves
  • 1 bundle of string beans (cut into 2 inch slices)
  • 1 banana bud (cut similar to eggplant slices, blanch in boiling water)
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 8 cups of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted rice (ground to a powder)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the beef and ox tail and simmer for 2.5 hours or until tender.
  2. When the meat is tender, remove from the pot, set aside, and keep the broth.
  3. In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the garlic until golden brown, then add onions and cook until translucent.
  4. Add the ground peanuts, peanut butter, and toasted rice to the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Slowly add the broth from the boiled beef and oxtail, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  6. Add the shrimp paste, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the cooked beef, oxtail, and vegetables to the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with rice and a side of shrimp paste.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the beef and oxtail
  • Large pan - for sautéing the garlic and onions
  • Stirring spoon - for stirring the peanut sauce and broth
  • Knife - for cutting the beef, oxtail, and vegetables
  • Cutting board - to use while cutting the ingredients
  • Measuring cups - for accurate measurement of peanut butter, ground peanuts, and oil
  • Measuring spoons - for precise measurement of salt, pepper, and toasted rice

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Kare-Kare: Replace the beef and oxtail with chicken pieces.
  • Seafood Kare-Kare: Use a combination of shrimps, squid, and fish instead of meat.
  • Vegetable Kare-Kare: Make a meatless version by using a variety of vegetables like eggplant, okra, green beans, and bok choy.
  • Pork Kare-Kare: Substitute the beef and oxtail with pork chunks or pork belly.
  • Tofu Kare-Kare: For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with tofu cubes.
  • Spicy Kare-Kare: Add chili peppers or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cashew Kare-Kare: Swap the peanuts with cashews for a different nutty flavor.
  • Coconut Milk Kare-Kare: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce for a creamy twist.
  • Curry Kare-Kare: Infuse the dish with curry powder or curry paste for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
  • Beef Short Ribs Kare-Kare: Use beef short ribs instead of the traditional beef chunks for a different texture and taste.

Recipe overview

Kare-Kare is a delightful and savory Filipino dish that is sure to wow your taste buds. A stew that is rich in flavors, it is a combination of tender oxtail and beef mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables, all luxuriously coated in a thick and creamy peanut sauce. This recipe takes around 3 hours to make, so it's perfect for a weekend cooking project or a special occasion. The steps are simple and straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve a wonderful result. Served with a side of rice and shrimp paste for an added kick, Kare-Kare is a true Filipino delicacy that you can prepare and enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Common questions

  1. What type of meat can I use for Kare-Kare? You can use beef and oxtail for this recipe.
  2. Can I use chicken instead of beef? While traditionally made with beef, you can substitute it with chicken if you prefer.
  3. Do I have to use peanut butter? Yes, peanut butter is a key ingredient in Kare-Kare as it gives the dish its distinct nutty flavor.
  4. Can I use a different type of vegetable? While eggplants, pechay (bok choy), and string beans are common vegetables used in Kare-Kare, you can experiment with other vegetables of your choice.
  5. Where can I find shrimp paste? Shrimp paste can usually be found in Asian grocery stores or online. Look for "bagoong" in Filipino or Southeast Asian sections.
  6. What is the purpose of toasted rice? Toasted rice is ground into a powder and added to the Kare-Kare sauce to thicken it and give it a unique flavor.
  7. How long does it take to simmer the meat? Simmer the beef and oxtail for around 2.5 hours or until they become tender.
  8. What should I serve Kare-Kare with? Kare-Kare is traditionally served with steamed rice and a side of shrimp paste.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Kare-Kare, this sumptuous Filipino stew, holds a special place in the heart of the Philippines. Its origins are as rich and complex as its flavors. It is believed to have been introduced during the Spanish era as a local response to curry. However, rather than the fiery spices of India and Thailand, the Filipinos developed a milder, sweeter version using local ingredients like peanuts and fermented shrimp paste. It's also said that Kare-Kare was born in the regal kitchens of Pampanga, often referred to as the culinary capital of the Philippines. The chefs of the noble class, ever inventive and resourceful, created this dish out of a need to utilize every part of the water buffalo. Now, it's a beloved national dish often served on special occasions and Sundays, a testament to the Filipinos' creativity and their enduring love for good food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.