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Kare-Kare Beef is a traditional Filipino dish that is known for its rich and flavorful peanut sauce. It is a popular dish that is often served during special occasions and gatherings. Kare-Kare is typically made with beef, oxtail, and tripe, although there are variations that use pork, chicken, or even seafood.

The dish gets its distinct flavor from the roasted peanuts and ground rice that are used to thicken the sauce. The sauce is then flavored with achuete or annatto seeds to give it a vibrant orange color. Kare-Kare is usually served with a side of bagoong, a Filipino shrimp paste, which adds a salty and savory element to the dish.

Cooking Kare-Kare Beef requires a little bit of time and effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. The tender beef, flavorful peanut sauce, and the combination of vegetables make for a truly delicious and satisfying meal. In this article, we will take you through the steps of cooking Kare-Kare Beef so you can enjoy this authentic Filipino dish in the comfort of your own home.

So, let’s get started and learn how to cook Kare-Kare Beef like a pro!

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking the kare kare beef, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them accordingly. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 kilogram of beef tripe
• 1 kilogram of beef oxtail
• 4 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 cups of peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons of toasted ground rice
• 1 bundle of pechay or bok choy, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Make sure to wash the beef tripe and oxtail thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Cut the beef tripe into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Likewise, cut the beef oxtail into smaller, manageable pieces.

In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.

Add the beef tripe and oxtail to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This will add flavor to the kare kare beef.

Once the beef is nicely browned, add enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef tripe and oxtail are tender.

While the beef is simmering, prepare the other ingredients. In a separate pan, toast the ground rice until golden brown. Set it aside to cool.

Once the beef is tender, add the peanut butter to the pot and stir until well incorporated. This will give the kare kare beef its creamy and nutty flavor.

Add the toasted ground rice to the pot and stir again to thicken the sauce.

Taste the kare kare beef and season with salt and pepper as desired. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Lastly, add the pechay or bok choy to the pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted and tender.

Now that your ingredients are prepared, you are ready to proceed to the next step of cooking the kare kare beef.

Step 2: Marinating the Meat

Marinating the meat is an essential step to infuse it with flavors and make it tender. Follow these simple instructions to marinate the beef for your kare kare recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g beef tripe, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500g beef oxtail, cut into sections
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated ginger, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.
2. Add the beef tripe and oxtail to the marinade. Make sure that all the meat is fully coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.

Marinating the meat for an extended period also helps to tenderize it, making it easier to cook and more enjoyable to eat. Once the meat has marinated to your desired time, it is ready to be cooked and transformed into a delicious kare kare beef dish!

Step 3: Cooking the Meat

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Once the beef is browned, add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours until the beef becomes tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

3. While the beef is simmering, prepare the vegetables by blanching them in boiling water. This helps in removing any bitterness and softens them. Drain and set aside.

4. After 2 hours of simmering, add the peanut butter, annatto powder, and ground peanuts to the pot. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Add the blanched vegetables to the pot and continue simmering for another 5 minutes or until they are cooked through but still firm.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve the kare kare beef hot with steamed rice and shrimp paste on the side.

Step 4: Making the Kare Kare Sauce

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to make the flavorful Kare Kare sauce. This sauce is the star of the dish and gives it its distinct taste.

Ingredients for the Kare Kare Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons achuete oil
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons ground roasted rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup crushed peanuts
• 1 tablespoon annatto seeds
• 1 bunch bok choy, cut into pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the Kare Kare sauce, follow these steps:

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the achuete oil and stir well to distribute the color.
4. Next, add the peanut butter and ground roasted rice. Mix well until the peanut butter is melted and everything is combined.
5. Pour in the beef broth and stir until well incorporated. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, add the crushed peanuts and annatto seeds. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the bok choy pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bok choy is tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Now that the Kare Kare sauce is ready, you can proceed to the last step of assembling the dish.

Step 5: Assembling the Dish

Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thick, it’s time to assemble the kare kare dish.

To start, arrange the blanched vegetables, such as pechay or bok choy, eggplant, and string beans, on a serving platter.

Next, carefully place the cooked beef on top of the vegetables.

Then, pour the thick kare kare sauce over the beef and vegetables, making sure to coat them evenly.

For garnish, sprinkle some crushed toasted peanuts on top.

You can serve kare kare with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side, which adds a unique complementary taste to the dish.

Variations:

While beef is commonly used in kare kare, you can also substitute it with other meats such as oxtail, tripe, or pork. Additionally, some people enjoy adding seafood like shrimp and squid to their kare kare.

Serving Suggestion:

Kare kare is best enjoyed with steamed rice and some Filipino condiments like patis (fish sauce) and calamansi (Filipino lime).

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying Kare Kare Beef

Once the kare kare beef is cooked and tender, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Filipino dish.

1. Transfer the kare kare beef to a serving dish or platter. Arrange the meat neatly for presentation.

2. Pour the thick kare kare sauce over the beef. Make sure to cover the meat well with the sauce.

3. Sprinkle some ground peanuts on top of the sauce. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

4. Serve the kare kare beef hot with a side of bagoong alamang (shrimp paste) and steamed rice.

5. Dip a piece of the beef into the shrimp paste and sauce before eating. The combination of flavors is heavenly.

6. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory taste of the kare kare beef. Don’t forget to savor every bite!

7. This dish is best enjoyed with family and friends. Share the experience and indulge in the Filipino culinary culture.

Now that you know how to cook kare kare beef, you can easily recreate this traditional Filipino dish at home. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and have a taste of the Philippines right in your own kitchen!

FAQ

What is Kare Kare beef?

Kare Kare beef is a traditional Filipino dish made from oxtail and beef tripe cooked in a rich and creamy peanut sauce.

What are the ingredients needed to cook Kare Kare beef?

The ingredients needed to cook Kare Kare beef include oxtail, beef tripe, peanut butter, annatto seeds, garlic, onions, shrimp paste, and various vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, and long beans.

How do I cook Kare Kare beef?

To cook Kare Kare beef, first boil the oxtail and tripe until tender. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add annatto seeds and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the peanut butter and gradually add the beef broth. Add the oxtail and tripe to the pan and let it simmer until the peanut sauce thickens. Finally, add the vegetables and cook until they are tender.

What can I serve with Kare Kare beef?

Kare Kare beef is traditionally served with a side of shrimp paste or bagoong, which adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish. It is also often served with steamed rice.

Can I substitute the oxtail and tripe with other meats?

Yes, you can substitute the oxtail and tripe with other meats such as beef shank or beef cubes. However, the oxtail and tripe provide a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so it is recommended to use them if available.

What is kare kare beef?

Kare kare beef is a traditional Filipino dish made with beef, vegetables, and peanut sauce.