Kare Kare (Filipino Oxtail, Vegetable & Peanut Sauce Stew)
This ultra tender oxtail and beef shank stew is a Filipino classic that is well known for it's peanut buttery flavor. Learn how to make this kare kare recipe for your next family gathering.
In a large stock pot over medium high heat, add the vegetable oil and sear the pieces of meat until each side has a nice brown crust. This should be about one minute on each side. Sear in batches to not crowd the pan.
Set aside the meat on a clean plate. Add the chopped onions and saute for about one to two minutes or until slightly translucent. Then add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Add about two cups of water to the pot and deglaze the bottom.
Add all the meat, the rest of the water, and salt into the pot and bring to a boil. Lower to medium low heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and braise for 2-3 hours or until the oxtail and beef shank pieces are super tender and fall off the bone.
Prepping ingredients
Ground peanuts: place peanuts in a food processor or powerful blender and process until it turns into fine pieces for about 10 seconds. Try not to blend for too long because it will turn into a paste.
Toasted ground rice: In a small pan over medium heat, add the rice and stir constantly until it begins to turn brown on the edges of the grains. It will take about one minute. Move the pan around to prevent burning the rice. Turn off the heat and allow the rice to cool for about five minutes.
Transfer to a strong blender like a Nutribullet. Process the rice until it turns into fine pieces--like powder.
Banana flower: Peel the tough purple leaves of the banana flower off until you reach the lighter yellow center. (This process is similar to artichokes). Once you reach the center, cut the heart into quarters and soak it in a lemon or lime water bath to prevent it from changing colors.
Vegetable blanching: Prep the vegetables (eggplants, banana hearts, string beans, and bok choy) by cleaning them in water and cutting them into the appropriate size. In a pot of boiling water, cook each of the vegetables by boiling them in hot water until slightly tender, then give them an ice bath to prevent further cooking.
Kare kare
In a pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and saute the chopped onions for about one minute or until slightly translucent. Then, add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
Add in the braising liquid (without the meat for now), annatto powder, and peanut butter. Stir together until it’s all combined.
Add the ground peanuts and toasted ground rice, and fish sauce into the pot and stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
Then add the braised meat and mix in the salt and pepper.
Simmer for about 15 minutes on low to thicken. See photo here for final sauce consistency. Taste the sauce to see if it needs adjusting.
Add in the blanched vegetables and cook for an additional 3 minutes and stir.
Serve with fermented shrimp paste on the side and enjoy.