Authentic Kare Kare Recipe: A Filipino Classic

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 6 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 banana heart, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons annatto oil (optional for color)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the oxtail pieces to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, browning them on all sides.
3. Pour in the water and add fish sauce; bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the oxtail is tender.
4. Once the oxtail is tender, remove it from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth and return it to the pot, discarding any solids.
5. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and rice flour with a cup of the strained broth until smooth. Then, add this mixture back to the pot and stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the oxtail back into the pot. Stir occasionally and allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Meanwhile, blanch the eggplant, banana heart, and green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
8. Once the kare kare is thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the blanched vegetables to the pot and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of bagoong for added flavor.