Kare Kare
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
1218 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Filipino
Kare Kare
Description
Kare Kare is a classic Filipino stew highlighting tender oxtail simmered slowly in a creamy sauce thickened with peanut butter and ground toasted rice. The dish's distinct orange hue comes from annatto seeds soaked to extract their vibrant color, giving the sauce an earthy tone. The initial browning of the oxtails and sautéing of onions and garlic builds a flavorful base for the stew. The inclusion of vegetables such as sliced eggplant, string beans, and baby bok choy adds freshness and texture to the hearty broth.
The stew is seasoned with brown sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to balance the richness of the peanut sauce. Simmering the oxtail until tender ensures the meat falls off the bone and absorbs the sauce’s flavors. Typically, kare kare is served alongside fermented shrimp paste (bagoong), which provides a salty and umami depth that contrasts beautifully with the creamy stew.
This recipe involves simmering the oxtail for over an hour, then adding a mixture of peanut butter, toasted rice powder, and annatto water to form the thick, nutty sauce. The combination of slow-cooked meat, rich sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a multi-layered dish that works well as a main course, especially during gatherings or family meals.
The peanut butter adds creaminess while the toasted rice introduces a subtle nuttiness and a slightly thickened texture. The simmering with annatto seeds not only colors the sauce but also imparts a mild, peppery flavor. The tender meat and fresh vegetables provide balance, making the dish both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2.2 lbs oxtails
- 1 red onions (diced)
- 1 garlic minced, whole
- 4 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup peanut butter unsalted
- ¼ cup toasted rice ground
- ¼ cup annatto seeds (soaked in ½ cup boiling water)
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- neutral oil
- kosher salt Diamond Crystal brand
- black pepper freshly ground
For the Vegetables
- 3 pieces eggplant (sliced)
- 1 bundle string beans (sliced)
- 1 bunch baby bok choy
For Serving
- fermented shrimp paste aka bagoong
Instructions
- To a pot, add neutral oil and sauté 1 red onions (diced) and 1 whole garlic (minced). When the onions turn translucent, remove the onions and garlic to a plate and set aside.
- Using the same pot, add 2.2 lbs oxtails and brown them on all sides.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic back to the pot. Then, pour 4 cups beef stock/broth and 1 cup water into the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours or until the meat is tender (add more water if needed).
- Turn of the heat. Remove the oxtail from the pot, leaving all the liquid, and set the oxtail aside.
- Add 3 Tbsp brown sugar, ¼ cup ground toasted rice, 1 cup unsalted peanut butter, and the water from soaking ¼ cup annatto seeds into the pot. Mix thoroughly until it’s even in consistency. Turn on the heat to medium, then let it boil.
- Once the sauce is boiling, turn the heat to low. Add the oxtail and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with a dash of Diamond Crystal kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Now, cook the vegetables separately by blanching 1 bundle string beans, 3 pieces eggplant, and 1 bunch baby bok choy.
- Pour the stew into individual deep bowls and add the cooked vegetables on the side. Serve with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).
Notes
- Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for seasoning, as its volume differs from other brands.
- Sautéing the onions and garlic before browning the oxtail builds a richer flavor base.
- Adjust the water during simmering to keep the meat covered and ensure tenderness.
- Fermented shrimp paste is essential for serving and balancing the stew's richness.
- Toasted rice flour helps thicken the sauce and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1218 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1218kcal | 61% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 101g | 202% |
| Fat | 68g | 105% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 31g | 155% |
| Cholesterol | 279mg | 93% |
| Sodium | 706mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 1395mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 17g | 68% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 5281IU | 106% |
| Vitamin C | 64mg | 71% |
| Calcium | 261mg | 26% |
| Iron | 13mg | 72% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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