Delicious Kare Kare Recipe (A Heartwarming Filipino Classic)

There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of Kare Kare, a Filipino dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The rich, savory flavors combined with the creamy peanut sauce make it a comfort food that warms the soul. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the perfect meal for both special celebrations and cozy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love Kare Kare – Guest Post by Ang Sarap

• Fast: You can have the main components prepped and simmering in about 20 minutes.
• Easy: This recipe is all about simple steps that even beginner cooks can master with ease.
• Giftable: Kare Kare is a hearty dish that travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or as a comforting meal for friends in need.
• Crowd-pleasing: Even those who think they don’t like oxtail will fall in love with this creamy, flavorful version!

Ingredients

• 1 kg oxtail, cut into pieces: The star of the dish, providing a rich flavor.
• 1/2 cup peanut butter: This gives Kare Kare its signature creamy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/4 cup ground rice: This helps thicken the sauce and adds another layer of flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped: A must for that aromatic base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1/2 kg eggplant, sliced: Adds a lovely texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• 1/2 kg banana heart, sliced: A traditional ingredient that adds a unique flavor and crunch.
• 1/2 kg green beans, trimmed: For a pop of color and freshness.
• 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong), for serving: The perfect salty complement to the dish.
• 6 cups water: To create a rich broth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning!
• Cooking oil: For sautéing the aromatics.

How to Make Kare Kare – Guest Post by Ang Sarap

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the oxtail is tender and falls off the bone.
4. Once tender, stir in the ground rice and peanut butter until well combined.
5. Next, add the sliced eggplant, banana heart, and green beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, paired with shrimp paste on the side for that extra burst of flavor!

Substitutions & Additions

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are some suggestions:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken or beef instead of oxtail.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like bok choy or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
• If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, tahini can be a great alternative for that creamy texture.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Kare Kare turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

• Make sure to brown the oxtail well; this adds depth of flavor to your dish.
• Don’t rush the simmering process—this is where the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld.
• Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother.

How to Store Kare Kare – Guest Post by Ang Sarap

Storing your Kare Kare is simple:

• Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
• When reheating, add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

• Can I make Kare Kare in advance? Absolutely! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• Is Kare Kare spicy? Not traditionally, but you can add chili if you like some heat.
• What do I serve with Kare Kare? It’s delicious with steamed rice and shrimp paste on the side.

So there you have it, a simple yet delicious recipe for Kare Kare that’s sure to impress. For more delicious recipes, check out this sweet treat or this delightful salad for dishes you will love!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more culinary inspiration!

Kare Kare

A warm bowl of Kare Kare, a Filipino dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The rich, savory flavors combined with the creamy peanut sauce make it a comfort food that warms the soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Kare Kare

• 1 kg oxtail cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup ground rice
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 kg eggplant sliced
• 1/2 kg banana heart sliced
• 1/2 kg green beans trimmed
• 6 cups water

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the oxtail and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the oxtail is tender and falls off the bone.
4. Step 4: Once tender, stir in the ground rice and peanut butter until well combined.
5. Step 5: Next, add the sliced eggplant, banana heart, and green beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, paired with shrimp paste on the side for that extra burst of flavor!

Notes

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.