Karekare Filipino Peanut Stew Made Easy

Kare Kare Recipe Philippines: Your Gateway to Filipino Comfort Food

Ever wondered about that crazy delicious peanut stew everyone raves about? I'm talking about the kare kare recipe philippines , of course! It's savoury, it's nutty, and oh my gosh, it’s pure comfort.

It is like a big, warm hug on a plate. Trust me, you need this in your life.

What's the Story with Kare Kare?

This filipino peanut stew recipe has been around for ages. It's a classic, traditionally served at special occasions. I'm talking birthdays, fiestas, any excuse for a good feed! Don't worry, this version is an easy kare kare recipe .

It is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe yields enough to feed six to eight hungry souls.

Why This Kare Kare Will Rock Your World

This isn't just any stew. It is packed with flavour. The authentic kare kare recipe calls for oxtail, but beef chuck works great too.

What makes it special? It's that rich, creamy peanut sauce. It has a slight sweetness and a savoury depth from the bagoong pairing (shrimp paste).

Did you know? Peanut sauce is not just for noodles. This recipe is a culinary adventure into comfort food philippines .

It's like a holiday for your taste buds.

Get Ready to Wrangle the Kare Kare Ingredients

Let's dive into the kare kare ingredients . You'll need meat, veggies, and some peanut magic. Don't fret, it's all fairly simple.

I have even offered some kare kare recipe variations to help out.

Here's the ingredient breakdown (for about 6-8 servings):

• Meat (Your Choice!) Oxtail or beef chuck are traditional.
• Veggies Galore! Bok choy, string beans, and eggplant are the usual suspects.
• That Amazing Peanut Sauce Ground peanuts and rice flour are key.
• Bagoong (Shrimp Paste): Essential for serving, adds a salty kick.

Grab your pots and pans, it's Kare Kare time!

Alright, let's talk ingredients! Making a good kare kare recipe philippines is all about quality components. Don't sweat if you haven't made this filipino peanut stew recipe before.

I will show you how to source the best stuff!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Kare Kare

Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I've listed both US and metric measurements, because that's how we roll!

• For the meat :
  • 2 lbs Oxtail (900g) - Look for oxtail with good marbling. It means more flavor!
  • 1 lb Beef Chuck (450g) - You can use chuck roast, cut into cubes.
  • 1 lb Tripe (450g) - Optional, but adds authenticity. Make sure it's well cleaned and pre-boiled.
• For the Broth:
  • 8 cups Water (1.9 Liters)
  • 1 large Onion
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
• For the Peanut Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup Peanut Oil (120 ml)
  • 1 large Onion
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 cup Toasted Ground Peanuts (150g)
  • 1/2 cup Ground Rice Flour (60g)
  • 4 cups Beef Broth (950 ml) - Ideally from cooking the meat.
  • 1/4 cup Annatto Seeds, soaked in 1/2 cup hot water (60ml)
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (Patis)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
• For the Vegetables:
  • 1 bunch Bok Choy
  • 1 bunch String Beans
  • 1 Asian Eggplant
  • 1/2 cup Banana Blossoms (80g) - Totally optional, but cool!
• For Serving:
  • Bagoong - Trust me on this, it's essential!
  • Cooked White Rice

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bomb!

Let's talk flavor! This oxtail kare kare recipe is all about that perfect savory sweet balance.

• Essential Spices: The peanut/fish sauce combo is key. Don't be shy!
• Flavor Enhancers: Toasted peanuts are a must. Trust me on this one. Fish sauce (patis) adds that umami kick.
• Substitutions: No annatto seeds? Paprika works! Fish sauce can be substituted with soy sauce, but use it sparingly.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for a kare kare recipe easy . Here are the essentials.

• Large Stockpot - For simmering the meat. A Dutch oven works great too.
• Large Skillet or Wok - For making the peanut sauce.
• Blender/Food Processor - If you're grinding your own peanuts.
• Slotted Spoon - For fishing out the meat and veggies.
• Fine Mesh Strainer - For straining the annatto water.

Don’t worry if you are a beginner. Making a tasty authentic kare kare recipe that reminds you of comfort food philippines does not require to have lots of experience in the kitchen, and these ingredients and equipment are easy to find.

Now you can focus on mastering the peanut sauce recipe .

Cooking Up Some Kare Kare: A Filipino Feast (Minus the Fuss!)

Alright, let's get cooking! As a chef, I’m super excited to break down this classic kare kare recipe philippines . It's like a warm hug savory, nutty, and utterly comforting, like a warm blanket on a rainy Sunday watching "Only Fools and Horses".

I'm aiming to make this version easy for everyone, even if you've never ventured beyond a simple pasta bake. Honestly, I used to be intimidated by it too.

It’s a culinary journey worth taking, trust me!

Prep Like a Pro: The Kare Kare Essentials

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let’s get our mise en place sorted. This is chef speak for getting everything prepped and ready.

Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and get your meat ready to go. This helps to speed up the cooking process and saves you from rushing.

You know, like when Del Boy is trying to sell dodgy goods, but he's prepared!

Essential mise en place:

• Chop 1 bunch of Bok Choy.
• Trim and cut 1 bunch of String Beans into 2 inch pieces.
• Slice 1 Asian Eggplant into 1 inch rounds.
• Quarter 1 large Onion, crush 4 cloves Garlic.

The Kare Kare step-by-step

Okay, here's where the magic happens. Don’t be scared by the number of steps, it's easier than it looks.

1. Simmer the Meat: In a large pot, simmer 2 lbs of Oxtail (or 1 lb of Beef Chuck, or 1 lb of Tripe or combination) with 8 cups water, 1 large quartered Onion, 4 crushed cloves of Garlic, 1 Bay leaf and 1 tbsp of Whole Black Peppercorns for 2- 3 hours or until tender. Reserve the broth. This is your beef broth for later.
2. Annatto Infusion: Soak 1/4 cup Annatto Seeds in 1/2 cup hot water. Strain the water to extract the color.
3. Peanutty Goodness: Sauté 1 large chopped Onion and 4 minced cloves of Garlic in 1/2 cup Peanut Oil until softened. Add 1 cup Toasted Ground Peanuts and 1/2 cup Ground Rice Flour, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine and Conquer: Gradually whisk in 4 cups Beef Broth and Annatto water into the peanut mixture. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Meat the Sauce: Add the cooked meat to the peanut sauce. Season with 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (Patis) and 1 tbsp Sugar to taste. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes .
6. Veggie Time: Add the eggplant and simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the string beans and bok choy. Cook until the vegetables are tender crisp.

Oxtail Kare Kare Recipe Pro Tips from a Seasoned Chef

Want to take your kare kare recipe easy to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years.

• Toast that rice flour! Toasting the rice flour gives a deep flavor. Dry-toast in a pan over medium heat until lightly golden brown. Don’t burn it!
• Taste, taste, taste! Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning. The balance of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet is key. Some might even enjoy a bit of bagoong pairing !

So there you have it. A filipino peanut stew recipe that even a novice can master. Don't be afraid to experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Remember, authentic kare kare recipe starts with love and a little bit of patience!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Kare Kare

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this kare kare recipe philippines ? That's awesome! Here are a few extra pointers and things I've learned along the way to help you nail it.

Honestly, even with filipino recipes easy , there are always little things that make a big difference. Think of these as your insider tips.

Serving Suggestions That Will Wow!

Okay, plating! First, you want a generous mound of fluffy white rice. Then, ladle the filipino peanut stew recipe over it.

Make sure the sauce coats everything nicely. Don't be shy with the veggies and meat. Finally, a dollop of bagoong pairing on the side is essential.

This is the comfort food philippines is known for!

For drinks, I like a cool glass of iced tea. Or, if you're feeling fancy, a calamansi juice would be amazing. A side of pickled papaya adds a nice tang.

Storing Your Authentic Kare Kare Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This kare kare recipe easy to store. Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? Go for it! It's best to freeze it without the vegetables, as they can get a bit mushy.

Thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheating, bring it to a simmer on the stove. Make sure the meat is heated to at least 165° F ( 74° C) .

You can add fresh veggies when reheating too.

Kare Kare Recipe Variations for Every Taste

Want to tweak things? Easy peasy! For a lighter version, use chicken or seafood instead of oxtail. For vegetarians, load up on the veggies.

Mushrooms and tofu work a treat in place of the meat. Make sure to use a vegetable broth.

You can also adjust the thickness of the peanut sauce recipe . Add more broth if you like it thinner. For a seasonal twist, swap in butternut squash or sweet potatoes.

You can explore kare kare recipe variations with every batch.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's talk numbers. Each serving has around 600-800 calories. It's packed with protein, thanks to the meat and peanut sauce recipe .

It's also got healthy fats and carbs. Plus, all those veggies give you a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Remember, this is just an estimate. Always check your ingredients. You're getting a hearty meal with healthy benefits.

So there you have it. Now go give this oxtail kare kare recipe a whirl! You've got this! I'm betting you are going to discover that our kare kare ingredients aren't that scary after all.

Now get cooking, have fun, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is kare kare, and what makes a good kare kare recipe philippines authentic?

Kare Kare is a classic Filipino stew featuring a rich, thick peanut based sauce. An authentic kare kare recipe philippines will typically include oxtail, tripe, and various vegetables like bok choy and eggplant, served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side.

The key is the savory, nutty flavor of the peanut sauce, balanced perfectly with the umami of the bagoong it's a flavour explosion, a bit like a proper Sunday roast, but Filipino style!

Can I make kare kare if I don't like (or can't find) oxtail or tripe? What are some good substitutes?

Absolutely! While oxtail and tripe are traditional, they're not essential. You can easily substitute them with beef chuck, which is more readily available and just as delicious. For a vegetarian version, try using tofu, tempeh, or a variety of mushrooms.

Think of it like a blank canvas feel free to experiment to find what you like best, sort of like putting your own spin on a classic British staple.

How do I get the kare kare sauce the right consistency? Mine always ends up too thick or too thin!

Achieving the perfect sauce consistency is crucial. The sauce should coat the meat and vegetables nicely without being pasty. To thicken it, simmer it for a bit longer, allowing the rice flour to do its job. If it's too thick, gradually add more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Think of it like making gravy a little extra liquid can make all the difference!

Bagoong... what IS that stuff, and do I have to use it with this kare kare recipe philippines?

Bagoong is Filipino shrimp paste, and it adds a salty, umami punch that complements the richness of the kare kare perfectly. While it's a traditional accompaniment, it's also an acquired taste! If you're not a fan, you can skip it.

Some people like to use a little extra fish sauce in the kare kare itself to boost the savory flavor, but even that is optional. Kind of like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it!

How can I store leftover kare kare, and how long will it last?

Leftover Kare Kare can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a little water or broth when reheating as the sauce tends to thicken upon refrigeration.

Much like a good curry, some say it tastes even better the next day!

Is kare kare healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Kare Kare is a flavorful dish, but it's important to be mindful of the ingredients. It's relatively high in fat due to the peanut sauce and the meat used. Using leaner cuts of meat or adding more vegetables can make it a healthier option. Also, portion control is key, as with any rich and delicious meal!

Like a proper fry-up, it's best enjoyed in moderation.