Beef pares is a popular Filipino dish that combines tender beef simmered in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth with steamed rice. This hearty and comforting meal is often enjoyed as a lunch or dinner option, especially during colder months. The dish gets its name from the pairing of the savory beef with the fragrant boiled rice.
To cook beef pares, you will need a few key ingredients such as beef brisket, soy sauce, garlic, onions, star anise, and brown sugar. These ingredients work together to create a delicious and aromatic broth that infuses the beef with savory flavors. The dish is typically served with garlic fried rice and a side of blanched vegetables.
Preparing beef pares is a relatively straightforward process. The beef is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings to enhance its flavor. It is then simmered in a pot along with the sauce, onions, and star anise until the meat becomes tender and infused with the rich flavors of the broth.
Once the beef is cooked, you can strain the broth and set it aside. The beef can be shredded or sliced, depending on your preference. To serve, ladle the flavorful broth over a bowl of steamed rice and top it with the beef. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. The combination of the tender beef, fragrant broth, and steamed rice creates a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy!
Traditional Filipino Beef Pares Recipe
Beef pares is a popular Filipino dish that combines the richness of beef stew with the sweetness of a soy-based sauce. It is often served with garlic fried rice and a bowl of soup on the side. This recipe will guide you on how to cook beef pares at home, using simple ingredients that are widely available.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef brisket, cut into cubes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon star anise
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Add the beef cubes and cook until they turn brown on all sides.
- Pour in the water, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine. Add the star anise and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef becomes tender.
- Once the beef is tender, gradually add salt and pepper to adjust the taste according to your preference.
- Serve the beef pares hot with steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
This traditional Filipino beef pares recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Beef Pares
To cook beef pares, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
Beef | 500 grams |
Garlic | 5 cloves |
Onion | 1 piece |
Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Star anise | 2 pieces |
Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | to taste |
Black pepper | to taste |
Water | 6 cups |
Cooking oil | 2 tablespoons |
Green onions | for garnish |
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking your beef pares.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook beef pares:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef brisket, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 5 cups water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the beef cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Stir well.
- Add the bay leaves and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Add the brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade beef pares!
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Beef Pares
Beef pares is a popular Filipino dish known for its tender beef and flavorful broth. To ensure that you cook the perfect beef pares, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
For a tender and flavorful beef pares, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef. Look for cuts that are suitable for slow cooking, such as beef brisket or beef shank. These cuts have enough collagen to break down during the cooking process, resulting in tender meat.
2. Marinate the Beef
Marinating the beef before cooking is essential to infuse it with flavor. Create a marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and spices of your choice. Allow the beef to marinate for at least a few hours or overnight to enhance the taste.
3. Slow Cook the Beef
To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s best to slow cook the beef. This can be done in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Simmer the beef over low heat for several hours until it becomes tender. Slow cooking helps in breaking down the collagen in the meat and intensifies the flavors of the broth.
4. Skim the Impurities
While cooking the beef, impurities may rise to the surface, resulting in a cloudy broth. Skim off these impurities regularly using a ladle or a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a clear and clean broth.
5. Add Aromatics
To elevate the flavors of your beef pares, add aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger to the broth. These ingredients will infuse the broth with a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
6. Serve with Garlic Rice
Beef pares is traditionally served with garlic rice, which complements the dish perfectly. To make garlic rice, sauté minced garlic in oil and then add steamed rice. Stir-fry the rice until it’s well-coated with the garlic and oil mixture.
By following these tips, you can cook the perfect beef pares every time. Enjoy this delicious and comforting Filipino dish with your loved ones!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Once your beef pares is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some serving and pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
1. Rice: Beef pares is traditionally served with steamed white rice. The tender beef and flavorful sauce pair perfectly with the fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro over your beef pares to add a fresh and vibrant flavor. The green garnish also adds a pop of color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.
3. Soy Sauce and Lime Dip: Prepare a dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, calamansi or lime juice, and some chili flakes. This tangy and savory dip complements the rich flavors of the beef pares, adding an extra layer of taste.
4. Pickled Vegetables: Serve some pickled vegetables as a side dish to cut through the richness of the beef pares. Pickled cucumbers or carrots provide a refreshing crunch and balance out the flavors of the meal.
5. Beverage Pairing: To complete your dining experience, pair your beef pares with a refreshing drink. Try a cold glass of iced tea, a citrusy soda, or even a light beer to cleanse your palate in between bites.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to explore and experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect pairing for beef pares. Enjoy your meal!
Q&A
What is beef pares?
Beef pares is a Filipino braised beef dish that is traditionally served with garlic fried rice and a bowl of soup. It is made from tender beef chunks simmered in soy sauce, star anise, ginger, and other aromatic spices until it becomes tender and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook beef pares?
It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to cook beef pares. The beef needs to be simmered slowly to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the spices and sauces.
Can I use other cuts of beef for beef pares?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as beef chuck or beef sirloin for beef pares. Just make sure to cut them into cubes or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with beef pares?
Beef pares is traditionally served with garlic fried rice and a bowl of soup. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or pickled vegetables on the side to complement the flavors of the dish.