Kare Kare Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Kare-Kare: A Delicious and Authentic Filipino Stew

Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino stew known for its rich, savory peanut sauce and tender, slow-cooked meats. This dish is a celebration of Filipino flavors and is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Let's dive into a recipe that captures the essence of this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses oxtail, but you can substitute with beef shanks or even pork ribs for a slightly different flavor profile.

• For the Meat:

  • 1 kg oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2-3 pcs. green chilies, sliced (optional, for added spice)
  • 8 cups water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis)
  • 1 tbsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper

• For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 1 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup annatto seeds (atsuete) soaked in 1/2 cup hot water, strained to extract the color
  • 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil

• For the Vegetables:

  • 1 bunch kangkong (water spinach), cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces (or substitute with Chinese long beans or bok choy)
  • 1 cup string beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Eggplant (optional) sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove the oxtail and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chilies (if using) and sauté for another minute.

3. Simmer the Oxtail: Return the oxtail to the pot. Pour in 8 cups of water or beef broth. Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the oxtail is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the meat will be.

4. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While the oxtail is simmering, prepare the peanut sauce. In a blender, combine the ground roasted peanuts, water, annatto water (strain before adding), and shrimp paste (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine and Simmer: Once the oxtail is tender, stir in the peanut sauce. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Add Vegetables: Add the kangkong and string beans (and eggplant if using) to the pot. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Do not overcook the vegetables.

7. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Tips for the Best Kare-Kare:

• Roast your peanuts: Roasting the peanuts before grinding enhances their flavor significantly.
• Don't rush the simmering: The long simmering time is crucial for tender meat and a rich sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and fish sauce as needed.
• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, bitter melon, or even potatoes.

This Kare-Kare recipe is a starting point; feel free to adjust it to your liking. Enjoy this delicious and authentic Filipino dish! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag #KareKareRecipe for a chance to be featured!