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–+ servings

Kare Kare

Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino dish known for its rich, creamy peanut sauce, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables. Typically made with beef shanks, it features a delightful mix of eggplant, string beans, and bok choy. The dish boasts a unique nutty flavor, enhanced by the addition of annatto seeds for color. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Beef Recipe, Filipino Recipes, Vegetable Recipes
Cuisine Filipino Cuisine
Servings 4 servings
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 lbs beef shanks (cut into pieces)
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp annatto powder
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp glutinous rice flour
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 bunch string beans
  • 1 bunch bok choy
  • 8 cups water
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Shrimp paste (bagoong) (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shanks until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the meat.
  • Add water to the pot with the beef shanks. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  • In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the annatto powder.
  • Add the peanut butter and mix well. Gradually sprinkle in the glutinous rice flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Pour in a few cups of the beef broth from the pot to thin the sauce, stirring to combine.
  • Season with fish sauce and sugar. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Pour the peanut sauce mixture into the pot with the beef shanks.
  • Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • While the sauce is simmering, fry the eggplant slices until golden brown.
  • Blanch the string beans and bok choy in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender but still vibrant
  • Arrange the beef shanks and vegetables on a serving platter. Pour the peanut sauce over the beef and vegetables.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice and shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side.

Notes

  • Choosing the Meat:
    • Opt for well-marbled beef shanks for the best flavor and tenderness. You can also use oxtail or pork, depending on your preference.
  • Preparing the Peanut Sauce:
    • Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture. If you want to go the extra mile, consider grinding your own peanuts for a more authentic taste.
    • For color, use annatto powder or simmer annatto seeds in oil and strain them.
  • Vegetable Prep:
    • Fry eggplant slices separately to keep them firm. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the stew.
    • Blanch string beans and bok choy in boiling water for just 1-2 minutes to retain their vibrant color and crispness.
  • Simmering the Meat:
    • Allow the beef to simmer for at least 2 hours or until tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 23.2gProtein: 31.8gFat: 23.5gSodium: 15.3mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 4.5g
Keyword Filipino Beef stew, KAre kare
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