Nothing warms the soul quite like a big, hearty bowl of beef pares. This humble stew can lift spirits, making it a favorite among late-night revelers, budget-conscious office workers, and anyone seeking a comforting embrace.
Though often found in local karinderyas and Filipino restaurants, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that mastering a classic beef pares recipe at home is easier than you think!
Preparation Time: 75 minutes | Serves: 5
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef camto (flank steak), cubed
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 Knorr Beef Cube
- 2 pcs star anise
- 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups water
- 2 stalks onion leeks, sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Garlic rice to serve
Cooking Method
1. Sautéing the Beef:
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the cubed beef and cook until its color changes.
2. Flavorful Broth:
- Add the Knorr Beef Cube, star anise, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Pour in the soy sauce and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the beef becomes tender.
3. Final Touches:
- Once the beef is tender, add the sliced onion leeks to the pot. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Stir in the dissolved cornstarch to thicken the sauce, simmering until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Remove the pot from heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the stew.
4. Serving Suggestion:
- Serve the beef pares warm with garlic rice on the side.
Customizing your Beef Pares
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier kick, serve extra chili garlic sauce on the side or adjust the amount used in the recipe.
- Noodle Pairings: While garlic rice is the traditional choice, beef pares pair exceptionally well with various noodle dishes. Try it with udon for a thick, chewy option or springy rice noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Soup Variation: Add more liquid for a heartier soup by doubling the beef cubes and adjusting the other seasonings to maintain the perfect flavor balance.
Enjoy the delightful comfort of beef pares in the comfort of your own home!