Back to Recipes
Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino stew made with tender oxtail, beef, or pork simmered in a rich and creamy peanut sauce. Combined with fresh vegetables such as eggplant, string beans, and pechay, this hearty dish is known for its savory, nutty flavor and is traditionally served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side. Kare-Kare is a favorite during family gatherings and special occasions, offering a comforting and satisfying meal best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Prep time20 min
Cook time2 hrs
Total time2 hrs 20min
Serves6 persons

Ingredients

1kg oxtail, beef shank, or beef tripe

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups water or beef broth

2 tbsp ground toasted rice

2 tbsp annatto (atsuete) powder or annatto oil

1 medium eggplant, sliced

1 bunch string beans, cut into 2-inch lengths

1 bunch pechay (bok choy)

2 tbsp cooking oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), for serving

Directions

  1. In a large pot, boil the oxtail or beef with water until tender, about 1½–2 hours. Skim off any impurities and reserve the broth.
  2. Heat the cooking oil in another pot. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened.
  3. Add the cooked beef and pour in about 4 cups of the reserved broth. Stir in the annatto powder, peanut butter, and ground toasted rice. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick.
  4. Add the eggplant and string beans, then simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender. Add the pechay during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  5. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Transfer the Kare-Kare to a serving bowl and serve hot with steamed rice and bagoong on the side. Enjoy!

Select Wishlist

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you agree.