Interested in learning how to make kare kare? You're in luck! Kare kare is a traditional Filipino dish known for its rich and savory peanut sauce. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious kare kare that will surely impress your friends and family.
How to Make Kare Kare?
Making kare kare requires a few key ingredients and a bit of time and patience. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
- First, gather all the necessary ingredients. You'll need:
- 2 pounds of oxtail, cut into serving pieces
- 1 pound of tripe, cleaned and cut into serving pieces (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of annatto seeds (achuete)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables of your choice (common options include eggplant, bok choy, and string beans)
- Shrimp paste (bagoong) for serving (optional)
- Next, heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the annatto seeds to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will help release the vibrant red color and flavor of the seeds.
- Once the annatto seeds have infused the oil, remove them from the pot and discard them.
- Add the oxtail and tripe (if using) to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the broth to remove any impurities.
- Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer. Stir in the peanut butter until it is fully incorporated and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Add the cooked meat back into the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the meat is simmering in the sauce, blanch the vegetables in boiling water until they are cooked but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Once the meat and sauce have finished simmering, add the blanched vegetables to the pot and stir gently to combine.
- Serve the kare kare hot with steamed rice and shrimp paste on the side for dipping.
And there you have it – a delicious homemade kare kare that will surely satisfy your cravings! Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a taste of Filipino cuisine, this recipe is a great place to start. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking!