🇵🇭 Philippines · Food
Beef Kare-Kare
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇵🇭 PHAI-generated imageA 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
check them off as you prepareHow 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
What is Beef Kare-Kare?+
Beef Kare-Kare is a Filipino stew characterized by its thick, savory peanut-based sauce colored with annatto. It consists of beef brisket and vegetables like eggplant, green beans, and bok choy, and is typically served during special occasions or communal meals.
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.
