Kare Kare is one of my favorite Filipino dishes. Actually it's one of my favorite dishes period. It's a beef stew w/ an assortment of veggies made with peanuts, peanut & rice flour, and yes....PEANUT BUTTER. I was always afraid to try making this on my own because it does require a lot of time and effort. Creating the thick luscious peanut sauce that makes this dish what it is takes more than just opening a jar of Jiffy.
If you do have the time, 100% made from scratch is best of course, but I recently learned how to make the easy, quick version and it's parent approved (they make the best Kare-Kare!), so I'm quite proud haha. With a little help from "Mama Sita", this version is pretty much fool proof and quite honestly, it tastes just as amazing.
- 2-3 lbs beef (preferably cross cut shank)- 3 tbsp canola or peanut oil- 1 lb pechay or bok choy sliced 1 inch pieces- 2 eggplants sliced 1 inch pieces- 1 lb sitaw or green beans sliced 1 inch pieces- 1 package of Mama Sita Peanut Mix Seasoning- 1-2 C peanut butter- 1 Quart of water- salt to taste
Plan A. Pressure cook the beef until tender (about 20-25 minutes)
Plan B. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can slow cook beef in a regular pot over the stove top. First brown beef on both sides to seal in juices. Submerge beef in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to VERY LOW, and cook until beef is super tender (4-6 hours)
CHEAT STEP. In a separate bowl, prepare Mama Sita Peanut Mix Seasoning according to package instructions. Set aside.In the same pot as beef, add in vegetables, water, peanut butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, add cooked beef chunks and peanut seasoning mix, and continue to simmer until vegetables are cooked, but not mushy. Season to taste.Best served with rice and bagoong/alamang or shrimp paste.
FEAST ON
