Kare Kare Recipe

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

26-01-2025

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Kare-kare, a rich and savory Filipino stew, is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its complex blend of flavors and textures. This isn't your average peanut butter stew; it's a symphony of savory peanut sauce, tender oxtail, and vibrant vegetables. Let's dive into a recipe that will transport you to the heart of Filipino food culture.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people and requires some advance preparation, but the result is well worth the effort.

• For the Oxtail:

  • 1 kg oxtail, cut into serving pieces
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 6 cups water or beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 1 cup roasted peanuts, unsalted
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup annatto oil (achuete oil) – this gives the sauce its beautiful orange-red hue. You can find this in Asian grocery stores.
  • 1/2 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) – a pungent ingredient, use less if you're sensitive to strong flavors.
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce (patis)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Vegetables:

  • 1 bunch long beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup string beans (sayote), sliced
  • 1 head of bok choy, chopped
  • 1 cup eggplant (talong), quartered

Instructions: Preparing the Oxtail

1. Sear the Oxtail: Season oxtail with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear oxtail pieces until lightly browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor.

2. Simmer the Oxtail: Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Add bay leaves, water (or broth), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until oxtail is very tender. You may need to add more water during simmering.

Making the Creamy Peanut Sauce

1. Blend the Peanuts: While the oxtail simmers, prepare the peanut sauce. Combine roasted peanuts and water in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate pan, heat annatto oil over medium heat. Add the blended peanut mixture and shrimp paste. Stir constantly until fragrant and the mixture starts to thicken.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Combining and Serving Your Kare Kare

1. Add Vegetables: Once the oxtail is tender, add the long beans, string beans, bok choy, and eggplant to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are cooked through but still retain a bit of their crispness (about 5-7 minutes).

2. Combine Sauce and Oxtail: Pour the peanut sauce over the oxtail and vegetables. Stir gently to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Serve: Traditionally, kare-kare is served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side for an extra punch of flavor and a boiled rice. Enjoy!

This recipe provides a detailed guide, but feel free to adjust seasoning according to your preference. The beauty of cooking is in the personal touch! Remember to adjust cooking times based on your stove and the tenderness of your oxtail. Happy cooking!