Easy Beef Kare-Kare Recipe
I. Introduction
A rich, peanut-based stew with tender beef and vegetables—traditionally served with bagoong and rice. This Easy Beef Kare-Kare Recipe captures the essence of this beloved Filipino comfort food with its creamy, nutty sauce and tender beef.
II. Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef oxtail or beef shanks, cut into serving pieces
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tbsp annatto seeds (achuete) soaked in 1/4 cup water
- 1 large eggplant, cut into rounds
- 1 bunch string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup banana heart or heart of palm, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
III. Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
IV. Instructions
- Boil beef in water for 1 hour until tender, then reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Add peanut butter and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Slowly add reserved beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Strain the annatto water and add to the pot for color.
- Add the cooked beef and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add vegetables in order of cooking time: eggplant first, then string beans and banana heart.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with bagoong on the side and steamed rice.
V. Tips
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar; adjust thickness with reserved broth. The key to good kare-kare is a smooth, rich peanut sauce. If using whole peanuts, grind them finely before adding to the broth. Make sure the vegetables are added at different times based on their cooking requirements to ensure they all have the right texture.
VI. Serving
With bagoong (shrimp paste) and rice. This hearty stew is traditionally served with a small bowl of bagoong on the side for those who want to add extra flavor. The combination of the rich, nutty sauce with the salty bagoong and steamed rice creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
VII. Storage
Keeps 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stew may thicken upon storage, so you may need to add a bit of water or broth when reheating. Reheat over low-medium heat while stirring to prevent the bottom from burning.
