Ingredients
- 2 lbs Oxtailcut into small pcs
- 1 cup Ground Peanuts
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Annatto Seedssoaked in 1 cup of water
- 1 Onionsliced
- 4 cloves Garlicminced
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Fish Sauce (Patis)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Shrimp Pastebagoong
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 cups Eggplantsliced
- 2 cups Bok Choysliced
- 2 cups Green Beanssliced
Directions
Kare-kare is a traditional Filipino stew that is characterized by its rich, peanut-based sauce and a variety of meats and vegetables. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is often served with rice and is perfect for cold weather. The dish is known for its unique blend of flavors, with the savory peanut sauce being the star of the dish. The sauce is made by blending ground peanuts and peanut butter with annatto seeds, onions, garlic, and other seasonings. The oxtail is cooked until tender and then combined with the sauce and vegetables, such as eggplant, bok choy, and green beans. It is usually garnished with shrimp paste and served with a side of bagoong.
Kare-kare is a perfect meal for family and friends gathering, it’s easy to make and can be adjusted to suit everyone’s taste. The dish is also a popular choice in Filipino restaurants, and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.
Preparation time for Kare-kare can vary depending on the size of the cuts of meat, the amount of vegetables that need to be sliced, and how familiar you are with the recipe. In general, you should expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour prepping the ingredients.
Cooking time for Kare-kare is also variable. The oxtail should be cooked for about 2-3 hours or until it is tender. The vegetables should be added in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. The total cooking time for Kare-kare is about 2-3 hours.
It’s important to note that the actual cooking time may vary depending on the size of the cuts of meat and the heat of your stove. It’s always best to check the meat with a fork to make sure it is fully cooked and tender before serving.
The difficulty level of making Kare-kare can vary depending on your experience with cooking and your familiarity with the recipe.
For those who are familiar with traditional Filipino cuisine, the recipe may not be difficult to follow. However, for those who are new to Filipino cooking, the dish may require some time and effort to prepare, especially for the peanut sauce. The process of making the peanut sauce involves blending the ingredients, and that can be tricky if you are not familiar with the technique.
Cooking the oxtail also requires some time and attention, as it needs to be cooked until it is tender. It’s important to monitor the meat while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t dry out or burn.
Overall, Kare-kare is considered as a medium difficulty dish, with a bit of techniques involved, but with proper guidance and following the recipe, it’s not impossible to make a delicious Kare-kare dish.
Steps
1 Done 30 mins | Soak annatto seeds in 1 cup of water for about 30 minutes. |
2 Done | In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. |
3 Done | Add the oxtail and brown on all sides. |
4 Done | Add the beef broth and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours or until the oxtail is tender. |
5 Done | In a separate pan, toast the ground peanuts until lightly browned. |
6 Done | In a blender, combine the toasted ground peanuts, soaked annatto seeds, and its water, peanut butter, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. |
7 Done | Strain the mixture to remove any debris. |
8 Done 20 mins | Add the peanut sauce to the oxtail and stir well. Let it simmer for another 20 minutes. |
9 Done 15 mins | Add the vegetables (eggplant, bok choy, green beans) and let it simmer for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through. |
10 Done | Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. |
11 Done | Serve with rice and shrimp paste on the side. |