Kare-Kare (Filipino Beef and Peanut Stew with Vegetables)

 

Kare-Kare (Filipino Beef and Peanut Stew with Vegetables)

 

Kare-Kare is a cherished Filipino stew proposing soft red meat in a rich, creamy peanut sauce, observed by using fresh vegetables and traditionally served with bagoong alamang (fermented shrimp paste) at the side. Its precise flavor comes from the mixture of peanuts, toasted rice, and fish sauce, developing a hearty and comforting dish that’s ideal for own family gatherings.

Ingredients (Serves four–6)

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef shank, oxtail, or a mix, cut into chunks

half of lb tripe (optionally available, cleaned and reduce into strips)

6 cups water or beef broth

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup peanut butter (or ground roasted peanuts)

1/4 cup ground toasted rice (for thickening)

2–three tbsp fish sauce (patis)

Salt and pepper to flavor

Vegetables:

1 package string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 small banana blossom, sliced (optional)

1 small eggplant, sliced into strips

1 small bok choy or pechay (Filipino cabbage)

1–2 carrots, sliced

For Serving:

Bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), fried or raw

Steamed white rice

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

In a huge pot, integrate pork (and tripe, if the usage of) with water or broth.

 2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic in oil until gentle and aromatic.

Stir in the peanut butter steadily, adding a few broth from the pot to skinny it slightly.

Mix in the ground toasted rice to thicken the sauce, creating a easy, nutty consistency.

Three. Combine Meat and Sauce

Pour the peanut sauce into the pot with the cooked pork and tripe.

Stir gently to coat all the meat with the sauce.

Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and regulate seasoning as wanted.

4. Cook the Vegetables

Blanch or gently sauté the veggies one by one to keep their bright shade and crisp texture.

Add the eggplant, string beans, banana blossom, and carrots to the stew for a few minutes to heat them via.

Five. Serve

Transfer Kare-Kare to a serving dish and serve warm.

Provide bagoong alamang at the side so diners can add it in line with flavor.

Serve with steamed white rice for a whole Filipino meal.

Tips for an Authentic Kare-Kare

Toasted Rice: Toast rice over medium heat till golden brown and grind it. This offers the sauce a nutty aroma and natural thickness.

Peanuts: Ground roasted peanuts or natural peanut butter each work. Roasted peanuts provide a greater authentic texture.

Meat Variations: While pork shank and oxtail are traditional, pork hock or hen can be used for faster cooking.

Vegetable Variations: You can upload green papaya or calabaza (squash) for extra flavor.

Express Version: Use a pressure cooker or pork stew cubes to cut cooking time to approximately 1 hour without losing flavor.

 Serving Suggestion

Kare-Kare is constantly better whilst shared. It’s historically served throughout celebrations and own family food. Plate the stew alongside a beneficiant assisting of white rice and a small bowl of bagoong alamang for dipping. The salty, umami shrimp paste perfectly balances the creamy, nutty sauce, creating the signature taste of Filipino comfort food.

Summary

Kare-Kare is greater than just a peanut stew—it’s a Filipino culinary way of life that mixes smooth pork, creamy peanut sauce, and fresh greens. Its wealthy flavors, nutty aroma, and versatility make it a staple in Filipino families. With simple substances and careful preparation, every body can recreate this iconic dish, bringing the warm temperature and heart of the Philippines to their dining table.