Filipino Kare-Kare is a traditional and iconic dish that is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It is known for its distinctive peanut-based sauce and hearty ingredients. Here are the key components that make up Kare-Kare:
- Meat: The traditional version of Kare-Kare often uses oxtail as the main meat component. Sometimes, beef tripe or a combination of oxtail and tripe is also used. In modern variations, pork hocks, beef stew meat, or even chicken can be used.
- Peanut Sauce: What sets Kare-Kare apart from other Filipino stews is its thick and creamy peanut sauce. The sauce is made from ground peanuts or peanut butter, combined with annatto (achuete) for color, and simmered with broth until it reaches a smooth and velvety consistency.
- Aromatics and Seasonings: Kare-Kare is typically flavored with sautéed onions and garlic, giving it a savory base. Annatto seeds or annatto powder are used to impart a reddish-orange color to the sauce. It is also seasoned with fish sauce (patis) or salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetables: Common vegetables found in Kare-Kare include eggplant (talong), string beans (sitaw), and sometimes banana blossoms (puso ng saging). These vegetables are added to the stew and simmered until tender, absorbing the flavors of the peanut sauce.
- Serving and Accompaniments: Kare-Kare is traditionally served hot with a side of shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side. The shrimp paste adds a salty and umami contrast to the richness of the peanut sauce. It is often garnished with additional annatto oil or fried garlic for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Cultural Significance: Kare-Kare is a dish deeply rooted in Filipino culinary heritage, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. It represents the blending of indigenous Filipino flavors with influences from Spanish and Chinese cuisines, showcasing the diversity and complexity of Filipino cooking.
Overall, Filipino Kare-Kare is a beloved comfort food that brings together tender meat, creamy peanut sauce, and vibrant vegetables in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among Filipinos and food enthusiasts alike.
Here is a keto-friendly Kare-Kare stew recipe and how to make it:
Filipino Kare-Kare Stew Recipe (Keto, Low-Carb)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb beef tripe, cleaned and cut into strips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon achuete powder (annatto powder), dissolved in 1/4 cup water (or annatto seeds soaked in water)
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 eggplant, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 bundle string beans (about 8-10 pieces), cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1 bunch bok choy or Chinese cabbage (pechay), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fish sauce (patis) to taste
- Shrimp paste (bagoong) for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oxtail and Tripe (if using):
- Rinse the oxtail and tripe under cold water. Place in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse again. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Oxtail and Tripe:
- Add the parboiled oxtail and tripe to the pot. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
Dissolve Annatto Powder:
- Dissolve the achuete powder (annatto powder) in water and pour it into the pot. Stir to coat the meat and aromatics with the annatto mixture.
Add Peanut Butter and Broth:
- Add the peanut butter to the pot and pour in the beef broth (or water). Stir well to combine until the peanut butter is fully dissolved and incorporated into the liquid.
Simmer Kare-Kare:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the oxtail and tripe are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Add Vegetables:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced eggplant and string beans to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Seasoning:
- Season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (patis) to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Serve Kare-Kare:
- Arrange the chopped bok choy or Chinese cabbage (pechay) on a serving platter. Spoon the Kare-Kare stew over the vegetables.
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side, if desired. Garnish with additional annatto oil or fried garlic on top.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Enjoy your hearty Filipino Kare-Kare Stew! This classic dish combines tender oxtail and tripe with a rich peanut sauce, creating a deliciously comforting stew that is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
