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September 20, 2024
Kare kare is a traditional Filipino dish that is rich and flavorful. It is often made with oxtail, a cut of meat that is tender and gelatinous when cooked properly. Kare kare is known for its thick peanut sauce and assortment of vegetables, which give the dish its unique and satisfying taste.
Cooking kare kare oxtail may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this delicious and hearty dish at home.
To start, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of oxtail
- 1 cup of peanut butter (preferably unsweetened)
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 bundle of bok choy (pechay), chopped
- 1/2 cup of ground rice (optional for thickening the sauce)
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of annatto powder (achuete)
- Salt and pepper to taste
What is Kare Kare Oxtail?
Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino dish known for its rich and savory flavors. It is a stew made with oxtail and a thick peanut sauce that is typically served with vegetables and eaten with rice. Kare Kare is often considered a special dish and is commonly served during festive occasions and gatherings.
The oxtail used in Kare Kare is a bony and gelatinous cut of meat that is prized for its tender texture and flavorful meat. It is slowly simmered until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The peanut sauce, which is the highlight of the dish, is made from ground peanuts, onions, garlic, and annatto seeds, giving it a vibrant orange color. Other ingredients such as shrimp paste, vegetables like eggplant and green beans, and sometimes even tripe or beef are added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Origin of Kare Kare
Kare Kare is believed to have its roots in the Philippines’ Spanish colonial period, where it was influenced by Spanish cuisine. The dish is said to be a local adaptation of the Spanish dish “callos,” which is made with tripe and legumes. Over time, Kare Kare was infused with the Filipino love for peanuts, resulting in the unique and beloved dish it is today.
Variations of Kare Kare
While oxtail is the traditional meat used in Kare Kare, variations of the dish can be made with other meats such as beef, pork, or chicken. Some versions even use seafood like shrimp or fish. The peanut sauce can also be customized to suit individual preferences, with some recipes using more or less peanuts, or adding other ingredients such as coconut milk or tamarind for a tangy twist.
Choice of Meat
When making kare kare, the traditional choice of meat is oxtail. Oxtail is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that adds richness to the dish. However, if oxtail is not available or you prefer a different type of meat, there are other options you can choose from:
- Beef tripe: Beef tripe is another common choice for kare kare. It has a unique texture and flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- Pork hocks: Pork hocks can also be used as an alternative to oxtail. They have a similar texture and taste, but may require longer cooking time to become tender.
- Chicken: For a lighter version of kare kare, you can use chicken instead. Chicken thighs or drumsticks work well and provide a delicious flavor.
- Seafood: If you prefer a seafood twist, you can use shrimp, squid, or even fish fillets in your kare kare. This adds a delicious oceanic flavor to the dish.
Regardless of the meat you choose, it’s important to ensure that it is cooked until tender to achieve the best results in your kare kare dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking kare kare oxtail, it’s important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 cup of ground roasted peanuts
- 1 bundle of bok choy, ends trimmed
- 1 bundle of string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 eggplant, cut into cubes
- 1 banana blossom, peeled and cut into strips
- 6 to 8 pieces of baby corn, halved
- 2 tablespoons of shrimp paste (bagoong)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Oxtail
Thoroughly clean the oxtail pieces under running water. Place them in a large pot and pour enough water to cover the oxtail. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and continue boiling for 10 minutes. Drain the oxtail and set aside.
Step 2: Chopping the Vegetables
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls.
Trim the ends of the bok choy and separate the leaves. Cut the string beans into 2-inch pieces. Cube the eggplant, peel and cut the banana blossom into strips, and halve the baby corn. Set all the vegetables aside.
Cooking the Oxtail
Once the oxtail is marinated and ready to be cooked, you can start the process of cooking. Follow these steps to cook the oxtail:
Step 1: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the marinated oxtail to the pot and cook it for a few minutes until it turns brown on all sides.
Step 3: Add water to the pot, enough to cover the oxtail completely. Bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until the oxtail becomes tender.
Step 5: While simmering, make sure to occasionally skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
Step 6: Once the oxtail is tender, add the remaining vegetables (such as eggplant and string beans) and continue simmering for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
Step 7: In a separate pan, prepare the peanut sauce by heating some oil and adding the peanut butter, annatto powder, and some of the cooking liquid from the pot. Stir until well combined and thickened.
Step 8: Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked oxtail and vegetables. Mix everything well together.
Step 9: Let the dish simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 10: Serve the kare kare oxtail hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
Making the Kare Kare Sauce
To make the flavorful Kare Kare sauce for the oxtail dish, you will need a combination of ground peanuts, peanut butter, and annatto seeds. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
| 1 cup ground peanuts |
| 2 tablespoons peanut butter |
| 2 tablespoons annatto seeds |
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, toast the annatto seeds over medium heat until they release their color and aroma. This will take approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and crush the seeds using a mortar and pestle to release the flavor.
- In another saucepan, combine the ground peanuts and peanut butter. Mix well until they form a smooth paste. Gradually add water to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.
- Place the saucepan with the peanut mixture over low heat. Stir in the crushed annatto seeds and continue cooking for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat and set aside. The Kare Kare sauce is now ready to be served with the cooked oxtail.
By following these steps, you can create a rich and delicious Kare Kare sauce that will elevate your oxtail dish to a whole new level of flavor.
Serving the Kare Kare Oxtail
Once the Kare Kare Oxtail is cooked to perfection, it is time to serve this delightful Filipino dish. Here are some tips to enhance your dining experience:
1. Transfer the cooked oxtail and vegetable mixture to a serving dish. Ensure that the dish is large enough to accommodate the generous portions of Kare Kare.
2. Ladle the rich and flavorful Kare Kare sauce over the oxtail and vegetables. Be generous with the sauce, as it is the star of the dish.
3. Garnish the Kare Kare Oxtail with crushed peanuts. This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
4. Serve the Kare Kare Oxtail with steamed rice. The combination of the tender oxtail, vegetables, and rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
5. Enjoy the Kare Kare Oxtail while it is still hot. The flavors are at their best when served fresh from the stove.
6. For an authentic Filipino dining experience, serve the Kare Kare Oxtail with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. The salty and savory flavors of the bagoong wonderfully complement the creamy Kare Kare sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making kare kare oxtail:
- If you don’t have oxtail, you can use other cuts of beef such as beef shanks or beef tripe.
- For a richer and creamier sauce, you can add peanut butter or ground peanuts to the peanut sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of sambal oelek or chili paste to the sauce.
- To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a piece of bone marrow or beef bouillon cubes.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch to the sauce mixture.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, or string beans to the dish for added flavor and variety.
- If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the oxtail with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Serve the kare kare oxtail with white rice and shrimp paste on the side for a complete and traditional Filipino meal.
These tips and variations can help you customize your kare kare oxtail recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
FAQ
What is kare kare oxtail?
Kare kare oxtail is a Filipino dish that consists of oxtail cooked in a peanut-based sauce, with vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, and string beans.
What ingredients do I need to cook kare kare oxtail?
To cook kare kare oxtail, you will need oxtail, peanut butter, ground peanuts, annatto powder, garlic, onions, shrimp paste, eggplant, bok choy, string beans, and cooking oil.
How long does it take to cook kare kare oxtail?
Cooking kare kare oxtail can take around 2 to 2.5 hours, as the oxtail needs to be tenderized and the flavors need time to develop.
Can I substitute oxtail with a different type of meat?
Yes, if you don’t have oxtail or prefer a different meat, you can use beef tripe, beef cubes, or even pork hocks as a substitute in kare kare.
What is the best way to serve kare kare oxtail?
Kare kare oxtail is traditionally served with bagoong or shrimp paste on the side. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
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