Kare-Kare: A Heartwarming Filipino Peanut Stew Recipe

Recipe: Filipino Kare-Kare (Peanut Stew with Oxtail)

🍲 A Warm Filipino Story 

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of Kare-Kare simmering on the stove. Growing up in a Filipino home, this rich peanut stew was always reserved for special family gatherings—birthdays, Sundays, and celebrations where everyone gathered around the table. The aroma alone brings back memories of laughter, steaming rice, and the unmistakable pairing of savory bagoong on the side.

Kare-Kare isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience of Filipino love, patience, and tradition in every bite.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtail (cut into pieces)
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup string beans (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 banana heart (sliced, soaked in water)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup ground toasted rice (or rice flour)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth or water
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp annatto seeds (soaked in warm water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bagoong (shrimp paste), for serving

📝 Ingredient Notes

• Oxtail – Traditional cut that gives rich flavor; can substitute with beef shank
• Banana Heart (Puso ng Saging) – Adds authentic Filipino texture
• Peanut Butter – Use natural, unsweetened for best flavor
• Annatto (Atsuete) – Gives Kare-Kare its signature golden color

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1: Boil the Meat

In a large pot, boil oxtail in water for 1.5–2 hours until tender. Skim impurities.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Peanut Base

Pour in annatto water and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Broth

Add the beef broth from the oxtail and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Add ground rice slowly, stirring to thicken.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add eggplant, string beans, and banana heart. Cook until tender.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with bagoong and rice.

⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6

🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days
• Freeze up to 1 month
• Reheat gently on stovetop, add water if needed

🔄 Substitutions

• Oxtail → Beef shank or pork hock
• Peanut butter → Ground peanuts
• Banana heart → Cabbage (backup option)
• Vegan → Tofu + mushrooms + veggie broth

🥗 Nutrition Notes (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450–550
• Protein: 25–30g
• Fat: High (due to peanuts)
• Rich in collagen (from oxtail)

❓ FAQ

What makes Kare-Kare different from other stews?

It uses peanut sauce instead of tomato or soy-based broth.

Do you need bagoong?

Yes! It balances the richness of the peanut sauce.

Can I make this faster?

Yes, use a pressure cooker (45 minutes).

💡 Tips (High Value Content)

• Toast rice before grinding for deeper flavor
• Do not overcook vegetables (keep texture!)
• Add peanut butter slowly to avoid clumps

🌶 Variations

• Seafood Kare-Kare (shrimp + squid)
• Crispy Kare-Kare (fried pork belly)
• Vegan Kare-Kare (tofu + eggplant heavy version)