Hello and welcome to our latest blog post! Today, we’re excited to talk about a beloved Filipino dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Allow us to introduce the delicious Kare Kare recipe, a hearty stew that is perfect for any occasion.
Kare Kare has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. This flavorful dish is typically made with oxtail, beef tripe, or beef shanks, and is cooked in a blend of peanut butter, annatto, and vegetables. The result is a rich and savory flavor that is sure to leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Kare Kare is a dish that is easy to prepare and will impress your family and friends.
A Beginner’s Guide to Making Kare Kare Recipe
Have you tried the famous Filipino dish kare kare? This hearty meal is perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply for those who crave a rich and delicious meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making kare kare, from the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step instructions.
What is Kare Kare?
Kare Kare is a popular Filipino dish that features a thick and flavorful peanut sauce. It typically includes different kinds of meat, such as oxtail, beef, or tripe, as well as various vegetables like eggplant and banana blossom. The dish is traditionally served with bagoong or shrimp paste, which adds a salty flavor that nicely complements the richness of the sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make kare kare, you will need a variety of ingredients that you may not find in your everyday recipe. These include:
- Oxtail or beef
- Peanut butter
- Annatto powder
- Garlic
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Banana blossom
- Bagoong or shrimp paste (optional)
Some recipes call for additional vegetables like green beans or pechay, but the ingredients listed above are the basics. You can find most of these ingredients in Asian or Filipino grocery stores, or you can order them online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!
- Prep the oxtail and vegetables. Cut the oxtail into 2-3 inch pieces, and season it generously with salt and pepper. Set it aside. Cut the eggplant into 2-inch pieces, and soak it in water to remove its bitterness. Slice the onions and chop the garlic. If you’re using banana blossom, remove the outer layers and chop it into small pieces.
- Cook the oxtail. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the oxtail to enough water to cover it. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Skim off the impurities, and let it cook for 2-3 hours or until it’s tender. You can use a pressure cooker or instant pot to shorten the cooking time.
- Make the peanut sauce. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and onions until soft. Add the peanut butter, annatto powder, and about a cup of the oxtail broth. Stir well until the peanut butter has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the vegetables. Once the oxtail is tender, add the eggplant and banana blossom. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
- Combine everything. Add the peanut sauce to the pot of oxtail and vegetables. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce is thick and flavorful. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a mixture of cornstarch and water to the pot.
- Serve and enjoy! Kare kare is best served hot with a side of bagoong or shrimp paste. You can also garnish it with chopped peanuts or cilantro. It goes well with steamed rice or bagoong rice.
There you have it – a simple guide to making kare kare! Once you’ve mastered the recipe, feel free to experiment with different types of meat or vegetables to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or simply looking for a new hearty meal, kare kare is definitely worth trying.
How to Customize Kare Kare to Your Preferences
Kare kare is a delicious Filipino stew that is traditionally made with oxtail and beef cooked in a peanut sauce. However, if you don’t have these ingredients or if you want to switch things up, you can customize the recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas on how to do so:
Alternative Protein Sources
If you’re not a fan of oxtail or beef, you can use other sources of protein for your kare kare. Chicken is a popular alternative that is easier to find and less expensive than beef. You can use bone-in chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Pork is another option that you can use, such as pork belly or pork ribs. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or tempeh instead.
Alternative Vegetables
While the traditional kare kare recipe calls for eggplants and banana blossoms, you can customize the dish by using your preferred vegetables. Green beans are a great substitute for eggplants, especially if you want a crunchier texture. Bok choy, spinach, or kale are also great options. You can also add more vegetables to make the dish healthier. You can add carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Different Peanut Sauce Variations
Peanut sauce is what gives kare kare its distinctive flavor, but there are many ways to tweak the sauce to suit your taste. You can experiment with different brands of peanut butter to find one that you like. You can also add coconut milk to the sauce to make it creamier or achuete seeds to give it a redder color. Some people even add a spoonful of sugar to balance out the salty flavor of the sauce.
Overall, kare kare is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and try new ingredients to create your perfect version of this Filipino classic.
Pairing Kare Kare with Other Filipino Dishes
Kare kare is a classic Filipino dish that is popular in many households during special occasions or simply just for a hearty meal. This savory stew is known for its complex flavors coming from its main ingredients: oxtail, tripe, vegetables, and a thick peanut sauce. Kare kare is usually served with rice, bagoong (a fermented shrimp paste), and a side of steamed vegetables like bok choy or eggplant. However, kare kare can also be paired with other Filipino dishes to create an even more satisfying meal.
Sinigang Soup
Sinigang is a sour soup dish that is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It is made with tamarind, tomatoes, onions, and various vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), okra, and radish. Sinigang can also be made with meat like pork, beef, or fish. The sourness of the soup comes from the tamarind which gives a refreshing and tangy flavor. Pairing kare kare with sinigang soup is a perfect combination as the sourness of the soup balances out the richness of the peanut sauce. It also adds another layer of flavor to the meal.
Adobo Chicken
Adobo is another staple dish in Filipino cuisine. It is a savory and tangy dish made with chicken or pork, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Adobo is usually served with rice and a side of vegetables. Pairing kare kare with adobo chicken is another great combination as the flavors of the two dishes complement each other. The savory and tangy flavor of adobo chicken pairs well with the richness of the peanut sauce in kare kare.
Pansit Noodles
Pansit is a Filipino noodle dish that can be served as a main meal or as a side dish. It is made with rice noodles, vegetables, and meat like chicken or pork. Pansit can also be served in different ways like palabok (with shrimp sauce and toppings) or bihon (with soy sauce and vegetables). The subtle flavors of pansit noodles go well with the complex flavors of kare kare. The noodles also add another texture to the meal.
In conclusion, kare kare is a versatile dish that can be paired with different Filipino dishes. The combinations mentioned above are just a few examples of how kare kare can be enjoyed. Whether it’s with sinigang, adobo chicken, or pansit noodles, kare kare will surely satisfy your cravings for a delicious Filipino meal.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading our article on the delicious tradition of Kare Kare recipe. We hope you learned something new and gained an appreciation for this classic Filipino dish. If you’re feeling inspired, try making your own version and share it with your family and friends.
Don’t forget to check back for more articles on Filipino cuisine and culture. Here at our site, we strive to bring you informative and engaging content that will make you feel like you’re right here in the Philippines. Until next time, happy cooking and eating!
FAQ
1. What is Kare Kare?
Kare Kare is a Filipino dish made with oxtail, vegetables, and a thick, savory peanut sauce.
2. What are some common ingredients in Kare Kare?
Aside from oxtail and peanuts, Kare Kare typically includes eggplant, string beans, bok choy, and onions.
3. Is Kare Kare spicy?
No, Kare Kare is not typically spicy. The peanut sauce provides a rich, savory flavor without heat.
4. Can I substitute the oxtail with another meat?
Yes, some variations of Kare Kare use beef or pork instead of oxtail. However, oxtail is traditionally used and provides a unique flavor and texture.
5. What is the best way to serve Kare Kare?
Kare Kare is typically served with steamed white rice and bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. Some people also like to include a side of crispy fried pork belly.
6. Can I make Kare Kare ahead of time?
Yes, Kare Kare can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. It may even taste better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
7. How long does it take to make Kare Kare?
Kare Kare can take a few hours to make as the oxtail needs to be tenderized and the peanut sauce needs to simmer and thicken. However, the end result is well worth the effort!
8. Is Kare Kare healthy?
Kare Kare is a rich, indulgent dish and is not necessarily considered healthy. However, it does provide protein and some vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
9. Can Kare Kare be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, there are versions of Kare Kare that use tofu or other vegetarian proteins instead of oxtail. The peanut sauce can also be made without meat or animal products.
10. Where can I find the ingredients for Kare Kare?
Many of the ingredients for Kare Kare can be found at Filipino or Asian markets. Some specialty ingredients, like bagoong or banana blossoms, may be harder to find and may require a trip to a Filipino market or online retailer.
