jannababe
Culinary Explorer
Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino dish that’s known for its rich, savory peanut sauce and tender meat, often served with a variety of vegetables. I tried making it recently, and the combination of flavors and textures is just wonderful. It’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings! Let’s dive into this comforting recipe.
Ingredients:
- For the Meat:
- 2 lbs oxtail (or beef, tripe, or pork knuckles)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1-2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 6 cups water
- Salt, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups beef broth (from the cooked meat)
- 2-3 tbsp rice flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1-2 tbsp bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for serving
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 banana heart, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup bok choy or pechay (Chinese cabbage)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, combine the oxtail, onion, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender. Add salt to taste. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside, reserving the broth for later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the peanut butter and about 1-2 cups of the reserved beef broth. Whisk until smooth and well combined. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a few tablespoons of rice flour with a little water to form a slurry, then add it to the sauce.
- Combine: Add the peanut sauce to the pot with the cooked meat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Cook the Vegetables: In another pot, boil water and blanch the banana heart (if using), eggplant, and string beans for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Add the bok choy last for another minute. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Serve the Kare-Kare hot, garnished with the cooked vegetables on the side. Don't forget the bagoong on the side for that extra flavor kick!