Filipino cuisine has always been a popular choice amongst food enthusiasts around the globe. One such mouth-watering delicacy is “Kare Kare,” a thick stew made with peanut sauce, vegetables mixed with ox tail and served with rice. This hearty dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly nutty flavors that will give your taste buds a unique experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make the best Filipino Kare Kare with Ox Tail.
Step 1: Preparing the Ox Tail
Start by cleaning and washing the ox tail to remove any dirt or debris. After cleaning, cut the ox tail into smaller segments, around three inches long per segment. Then, place the cut ox tails in a pressure cooker with water and bring it to a boil until it becomes tender. Once the ox tail is tender, remove them from the pressure cooker and set them aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
In a separate saucepan, sauté onions and garlic in oil until it turns translucent. Add the boiled ox tail to the saucepan and stir it over medium heat. Then, pour enough water to cover the ox tail, add peanut butter, ground toasted rice, and annatto powder or paste. Continue stirring until the peanut butter, and annatto paste blends well with the sauce. Add fish sauce and sugar according to your taste preferences and let the mixture simmer over low heat.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
While the sauce is cooking, prepare the vegetables. You may choose to put eggplants, beans, bananas, and bok choy or pechay in your Kare Kare. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, then, add them to the saucepan with the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer for several minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Step 4: Plating
Once everything is cooked and ready, serve it on a platter, with the meat and vegetables arranged on the sides and the sauce poured over them. Garnish the Kare Kare with crushed peanuts on top, and serve hot with a bowl of freshly cooked rice.
Step 5: Enjoy your Filipino Kare Kare with Ox Tail
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to indulge in some Filipino cuisine, this Kare Kare recipe is a must-try. This dish is perfect for a hearty meal, especially during cold weather, and will leave you with amazing flavors that will last for days. You can refrigerate the leftovers and reheat them as needed, and it tastes even better after being stored for a night or two.
Filipino cuisine has become famous worldwide because of its unique blend of flavors and this Kare Kare dish with Ox Tail is one of the dishes that stands out the most. With our complete guide, you can now make this delicious and hearty meal at home, and impress your family and friends with your Filipino cooking skills. So, gather the ingredients and get ready to cook up a storm in your kitchen.
Tips:
I always grill the oxtail before adding to the water. This helps seal the outside of the meat and also adds flavor.