🇵🇭 Philippines · Food

Beef Kare-Kare

90 min
A recipe worth the effort
🔥 550 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Beef Kare-Kare🇵🇭 PHMaffeth.opiana · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A rich, savory Filipino stew thickened with ground peanuts and flavored with annatto for a vibrant hue. Served with a side of fermented shrimp paste to cut through the richness.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut 1kg of beef brisket into 3cm chunks and boil in 2 liters of water until fork-tender, about 60 minutes.

  • 2

    In a large pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic until softened.

  • 3

    Add 2 tbsp annatto powder to the pot to release the vibrant red color.

  • 4

    Stir in 150g of smooth peanut butter, creating a thick, aromatic paste.

  • 5

    Add the cooked beef and 500ml of beef stock to the pot, simmering for 15 minutes.

  • 6

    Slice 2 eggplants and 200g green beans into 5cm batons; add to the stew and cook for 5 minutes.

  • 7

    Stir in 200g bok choy leaves, allowing them to wilt for 2 minutes before turning off the heat.

  • 8

    Serve in a deep bowl, ensuring you have a side dish of bagoong (shrimp paste) for each guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it served with shrimp paste?+

The salty, pungent flavor of the bagoong perfectly cuts through the creaminess of the peanut butter.

Can I use oxtail instead?+

Yes, oxtail is the traditional protein of choice, follow the same steps but increase simmering time.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?+

Stir the peanut butter constantly while adding the stock to ensure a smooth emulsion.

Is it supposed to be sweet?+

Use unsweetened natural peanut butter; the sweetness should be subtle and earthy, not candy-like.

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