Beef Pares (Filipino Braised Beef Stew)

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Beef Pares is a beloved Filipino comfort food 🍲, known for its savory and slightly sweet flavors. Originating in the bustling streets of Manila during the 1970s, it was created to offer hearty meals to busy workers and students. The dish, named "Pares" (meaning "pairs"), traditionally pairs tender beef stew with garlic fried rice and clear soup, combining Chinese culinary influences with Filipino tradition 🇵🇭. Today, it remains a popular dish, cherished for its rich, comforting taste.

NUTRITION FACTS (approximately per serving):

Calories: 300

Protein: 20g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 800mg


Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings: 4


Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Additionally, the nutrition facts can change if you adjust the recipe or serving size. Be sure to check product labels and use a nutrition calculator for precise values, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.


INGREDIENTS: Ingredients

Set A: Boiling the Beef

  • ½ kilo Beef(cubed)

  • 1 piece Onion (sliced)

  • 4 cloves Garlic (chopped)

  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (sliced)

  • 1 teaspoon Whole black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons Salt

  • 2 pieces Bay leaves

  • 5 cups Water

Set B: Sauce

  • 1 piece Onion (minced)

  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)

  • 2 pieces Star anise

  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce

  • 3 cups Beef stock from set A

  • 1 piece Beef broth cube

  • 2 tablespoons Brown sugar

Set C: Slurry 

  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch

  • 4 tablespoons Water

Set D: Garnish (optional) 

  • Fried minced garlic

  • Chopped spring onions

 

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Clean and cut the beef brisket into cubes or your preferred size. Set aside.

  • Chop and mince the onions and garlic, then set aside.

  • Slice the ginger and set aside.

  • For the slurry, combine the cornstarch and water, stir until dissolved, and set aside.


Step 2: Boiling the Beef

  • In a large pot, combine the beef, chopped onion, chopped garlic, sliced ginger, whole black pepper, bay leaves, salt, and water.

  • Bring to a boil and cook until the beef is tender. Add more water if needed.

  • Once the beef is tender, remove the meat and set aside. Strain and reserve 3 cups of the beef broth. The remaining broth can be served as soup later.


Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

  • In a pan, sauté the minced onion, minced garlic, and star anise until aromatic.

  • Add the cooked beef and mix well.

  • Pour in the soy sauce, sugar, beef broth cube, and beef broth and mix well.

  • Cover and bring to a boil until the sugar and broth cube dissolves.

  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.


Step 4: Thickening the Sauce

  • Gradually add the prepared slurry to the beef mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.


Step 5: Serving

  • Once done, transfer the beef pares to a serving dish.

  • Sprinkle with fried minced garlic and chopped spring onions for garnish, if desired.


TIPS:

  • Rice Pairing: Serve the beef pares with garlic fried rice for an authentic experience. The savory flavors of the pares perfectly complement the fragrant rice.

  • Storage: Store leftover beef pares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

  • Freezing: To extend the shelf life, freeze the beef pares in portions. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

  • Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or beef broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

  • Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your taste preference. Adding a bit more soy sauce or sugar can balance the flavors.

  • Vegetable Addition: For added nutrition, you can include vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. Add them when you sauté the beef and cook until tender.

  • Using Pressure Cooker: If you’re short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to tenderize the beef faster. Cook the beef with Set A ingredients in the pressure cooker for about 30 minutes instead of boiling.

  • Serving Suggestion: Garnish with additional fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness.



Serve & Enjoy! 💖

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