Beef Kare Kare is a beloved Filipino dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This savory peanut stew, traditionally made with oxtail, is rich in flavor and has a unique, velvety texture. In my opinion, Beef Kare-Kare is one of those dishes that can instantly lift your spirits with its hearty and comforting taste. It’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions where you want to impress your guests with an authentic Filipino delicacy.
Choosing the Right Main Ingredient
The main ingredient in Beef Kare Kare is, of course, the beef. While traditional recipes call for oxtail, beef chuck is an excellent alternative that is more readily available and easier to cook. When choosing your beef chuck, look for pieces with some marbling for a tender and flavorful stew.
What About the Seasoning?
Seasoning is crucial in making Beef Kare Kare flavorful. The primary seasonings include annatto powder for color, shrimp paste (bagoong) for umami, and ground peanuts for that rich, nutty flavor. These ingredients create a harmonious blend of tastes that define this dish.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
Using the right cooking equipment can make a significant difference in your cooking process and the final dish. Here’s what you need and how to use them effectively:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot helps in even heat distribution and prevents the stew from burning.
- Almires (Mortar and Pestle): Perfect for grinding roasted peanuts into a coarse powder, enhancing the stew’s texture.
- Blanching Tools: A large pot and a colander to blanch the vegetables, preserving their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Serving Bowl: A deep bowl to serve the Kare-Kare with warm rice on the side.
Comprehensive Recipe: Beef Kare Kare Recipe
Beef Kare-Kare Recipe
Beef Kare-Kare Recipe: This dish holds a special place in my heart. The rich, nutty flavors of the peanut stew combined with tender beef and vibrant vegetables make it incredibly comforting and satisfying. It's a timeless Filipino classic that brings warmth and joy to every meal, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp annatto powder
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup ground peanuts
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp glutinous rice flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 bunch bok choy, trimmed
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix annatto powder with a bit of water to create a paste. Add this to the pot along with ground peanuts, peanut butter, and fish sauce. Stir well.
- Thicken the Sauce: Dissolve glutinous rice flour in water and add it to the pot to thicken the stew. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Blanch the Vegetables: Blanch the string beans, bok choy, and eggplant in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine: Add the blanched vegetables to the pot and mix gently to coat them with the sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 450Total Fat: 28gSodium: 750mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 4gProtein: 30g
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Serve the Beef Kare Kare hot in a large serving bowl with a side of warm rice. A small dish of shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side enhances the flavor. You can also pair it with other Filipino favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai (spring rolls) or Pancit (noodles) for a complete meal.
Useful Cooking Tips
- Grind Peanuts Fresh: Using freshly ground roasted peanuts instead of store-bought peanut butter can significantly improve the taste.
- Blanching: Properly blanching the vegetables helps maintain their color and texture, adding a nice contrast to the rich stew.
- Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Blanching Step: This can result in overcooked, mushy vegetables that don’t add the desired texture to the dish.
- Using Low-Quality Shrimp Paste: Opt for high-quality shrimp paste to avoid an overpowering fishy taste.
Conclusion
Beef Kare Kare is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Filipino culinary tradition. With its rich and nutty flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. By following this comprehensive guide, you can recreate this classic dish with confidence and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!
Related Article:
I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.