The Filipino version of the kare-kare recipe or meat stew flavored and thickened in peanut-based sauce, served with a variety of vegetables is scrumptious and a Filipino food that you must try when you’re in the Philippines or in any Filipino restaurant—even those located in other countries—for that matter.

But if you want to try cooking it yourself, no worries, because it is especially easy to make, despite its layers of different textures and flavors. Check out this simple kare-kare recipe.

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Kare-Kare Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ¹⁄₂ lbs oxtails, cut into 2-inch lengths
• ¹⁄₂ lb stewing beef, to make the dish meatier (optional)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium sliced onion
• ¹⁄₂ cup annato (atsuete) water, optional
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons toasted powdered rice OR 2 tablespoons toasted mochiko sweet rice flour (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ lb green beans
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into pieces

Instructions

• Place hocks or oxtail pieces in a large pot.
• Add water to cover said pieces.
• Bring water to boil, lower heat, and simmer until it becomes tender.
• If using atsuete water, soak 1 tablespoon of its seeds in water for 30 minutes.
• Squeeze seeds until the water turns red, strain, and set red water aside. Or heat 2 tablespoons oil, sauté seeds in oil until oil turns red. (Discard seeds.)
• Use oil for sauteing rest of ingredients.
• Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and onions.
• Add cooked meat and 2 cups of the broth. (Save the rest of the broth for other uses.)

• Add salt and atsuete water.
• Simmer for 15 minutes.
• Stir in peanut butter and toasted rice powder, bring back to simmer while constantly stirring for 5 minutes.
• Add green beans and eggplant.
• Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally.
• Season accordingly
• Serve with hot rice and bagoong, plain or sauteed.

This kare-kare recipe has been proven to be well-loved by most families, so prepare to use the same—because surely, your kids will ask you for more.

Watch the video below