beef pares recipe

Beef Pares Recipe

Beef Pares recipe is a comforting and flavorful Filipino dish that combines tender beef with a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a popular street food in the Philippines, often served with garlic fried rice and a side of soup. This beef pares recipe brings all the authentic flavors to your kitchen, with melt-in-your-mouth beef and a rich, aromatic sauce. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or want to impress guests with your cooking, this beef pares recipe will certainly satisfy your taste buds.

Description

Beef Pares recipe is a beloved Filipino comfort food that’s been enjoyed for generations. Originating from the streets of Metro Manila, this dish features beef that’s slow-cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally served with garlic rice and a side of soup, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The term “pares” in Filipino translates to “pair,” which refers to the combination of beef and rice. While it’s commonly served as a street food dish, Beef Pares recipe has gained recognition as a hearty and satisfying meal in Filipino households and restaurants. The key to making the best Beef Pares is using the right cut of beef and cooking it until it’s tender and flavorful. Popular cuts like beef shank or brisket are ideal for this Beef Pares recipe, as they release a lot of collagen and fat when slow-cooked, making the sauce richer and more delicious.

This Beef Pares recipe balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors, with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and star anise. The soy sauce gives it a salty base, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the beef’s richness. Star anise lends a distinct aromatic quality, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a complex sauce that clings to the beef, making every bite satisfying.

For the garlic rice, you can use day-old rice, which helps it hold its shape and texture when stir-fried. It’s infused with garlic and butter to complement the rich flavors of the beef. The soup that accompanies the dish is typically a light broth, which helps cleanse the palate in between bites of the hearty beef and rice.

This Beef Pares recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special cooking techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Filipino meal at home, and you’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. With its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and fragrant garlic rice, Beef Pares is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

1 lb (450g) beef shank or brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 star anise
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth (or water)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Rice:

3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste

For the Soup:

2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 small onion, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef:

In a large bowl, marinate the beef cubes with soy sauce, fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the Beef:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the marinated beef cubes to the pot and sear them until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the beef broth (or water), oyster sauce, remaining brown sugar, star anise, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Prepare the Garlic Rice:

In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, making sure the rice is coated with the garlic and butter. Season with salt to taste.

Prepare the Soup:

In a small pot, combine the beef broth, sliced onion, and chopped celery. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Plate the garlic rice on individual serving plates. Ladle the beef pares on top, making sure to include some of the rich sauce. Serve with a side of the clear beef soup for a complete meal.

Notes:

For best results, use beef shank or brisket as they’re known for their tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs.
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chili peppers to the beef broth or rice while cooking.
Day-old rice works best for garlic fried rice as it holds up better during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice may become too soft and mushy.
The soup is a simple, light broth that balances out the richness of the beef pares. You can add more vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra flavor.