Traditional and Authentic Filipino Oxtail Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Let's prepare Kare-Kare, a traditional Filipino stew that's rich and hearty, commonly served at various festivities. This dish is distinguished by its thick savory peanut sauce and a variety of meats and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 300 grams tripe (optional, can be replaced with more oxtail or beef chunks)
• 4 cups water
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 banana blossom, cut into wedges (optional)
• 2 eggplants, sliced into half-inch rounds
• 1 bunch string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 bundle pechay (or bok choy), trimmed
• 1 cup ground roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Shrimp paste (bagoong) for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
• Place the beef oxtail (and tripe, if using) in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. 
• Skim off any scum that rises to the surface. 
• Add the quartered onion and simmer for 2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
• Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
• In another pot, blanch the eggplants, string beans, and pechay until they are cooked but still crisp. 
• Remove from water and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
• Heat oil in a large skillet or pot. 
• Sauté garlic until golden, then add the ground peanuts and peanut butter. 
• Slowly stir in about 2 cups of the broth from boiling the meat. 
• Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
• Add the meat to the sauce and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce with more broth if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add Vegetables:
• Gently stir in the blanched vegetables into the pot and cook until everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
• Serve the Kare-Kare hot with a side of shrimp paste (bagoong) for guests to season their dish according to their preference.

Kare-Kare is a flavorful and colorful dish, often a centerpiece at Filipino feasts due to its rich sauce and variety of ingredients. It pairs beautifully with plain rice and is enjoyed by many for its unique taste and comforting qualities.

Tip: I highly recommend this particular brand of sweet bagoong, as it perfectly complements the rich flavors of the kare-kare. You can find it at your local Asian grocery store or purchase it online. If you prefer a less sweet option, the original flavor of this brand is also a great choice.