Beef Pares Recipe: A Filipino Comfort Food Classic

The Origins of Beef Pares

Beef Pares is believed to have originated in Manila, where food stalls started serving tender beef stew alongside garlic fried rice and soup. Over time, it became one of the country’s most popular street foods. The dish is heavily influenced by Chinese flavors, with its use of star anise, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, yet it retains a distinct Filipino touch with its sweetness and comforting broth.

The secret to excellent Beef Pares lies in slow braising the beef until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, allowing the sauce to absorb deep umami flavors.

Ingredients for Beef Pares

You’ll need a combination of pantry staples and aromatic spices to create authentic Beef Pares Filipino recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef brisket (or shank), cut into cubes
• 5 cups water (for boiling)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2-3 pcs star anise
• 1 tsp five-spice powder (optional but recommended)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

For the Garlic Fried Rice:

• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• ½ tsp salt

For the Soup:

• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 21 tbsp fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

1. Add the beef to a pot and pour enough water to cover it completely.
2. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes to remove impurities.
3. Drain and rinse the beef with clean water. This step ensures a clear, flavorful broth.

Step 2: Braising the Beef

1. Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a separate pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the minced garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add the boiled beef and stir-fry for a few minutes to allow it to absorb the aromatics.
4. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
5. Add brown sugar, black pepper, star anise, and five-spice powder. Stir well.
6. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary.
8. Once the beef is tender, dissolve the cornstarch in water and pour it into the stew. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Making Garlic Fried Rice

1. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until golden brown and crispy.
2. Add the cooked rice and toss until evenly coated with garlic and oil—season with salt.
3. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Preparing the Soup

1. Heat a bit of oil and sauté garlic and onion in a small pot until fragrant.
2. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
3. Add fish sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

How to Serve Beef Pares

Serve the beef stew in a bowl with a generous serving of garlic fried rice on the side. Pour some beef broth into a separate bowl and garnish it with green onions.

For an authentic street food experience, eat it with a spoon and fork, mixing the beef and rice with some sauce. You can also add chili garlic oil or pickled chili for extra heat.

Making the perfect Filipino Beef Pares recipe requires the right combination of tender meat, rich sauce, and balanced flavors. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and authentic:

1. 1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef

   Brisket, shank, or short ribs are the best cuts for beef pares because they have the perfect balance of meat, fat, and connective tissue. When braised slowly, these cuts become tender and flavorful.Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can turn dry and tough.

2. 2. Pre-boil the Beef for a Clean Broth

   Before braising, boil the beef for 10 minutes, discard the water, and rinse the meat. This step removes impurities, resulting in a cleaner, more decadent sauce.

3. 3. Slow and Low Cooking for Tender Meat

   Beef Pares is best cooked low and slow for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows the connective tissues to break down, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, cook for 30-40 minutes on high pressure.

4. 4. Balance the Sweet, Salty, and Umami Flavors

   A good Beef Pares has the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Adjust the soy, oyster, hoisin, and sugar to taste. Don’t overdo the sugar—it should complement, not overpower, the dish.

5. 5. Use Star Anise and Five-Spice Powder

   These key spices give Beef Pares its signature aroma. If you don’t have five-spice powder, increase the star anise or add a pinch of cinnamon for depth.

6. 6. Thicken the Sauce Properly

   To achieve a rich, glossy sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it towards the end of cooking.

7. 7. Serve It Right

   Always serve Beef Pares with garlic fried rice and a side of clear beef broth for the authentic experience. Garnish with chopped green onions and chili garlic oil for an extra kick.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve irresistibly flavorful and tender Beef Parmesan that tastes just like a classic Filipino parmesan!

While the traditional Beef Pares remains a classic, you can experiment with different versions:

1. Spicy Beef Pares: Add chopped chilies or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Bone Marrow Pares: Serve the beef with roasted bone marrow for an extra indulgent dish.
3. Instant Pot Beef Pares: Cooking time can be cut in half using an Instant Pot while achieving the same tenderness.
4. Beef Pares Mami: Instead of serving it with rice, serve the beef and broth over egg noodles for a noodle soup version.

Why You Should Try Making Beef Pares at Home

Beef Pares is a comforting, satisfying dish that combines deep, savory flavors with the perfect balance of sweetness. It’s an excellent meal for any time of the day and will surely be a hit among family and friends.

By making it at home, you can customize the flavors to your liking, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish that suits your taste. Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore Filipino cuisine and introduce a new favorite to your weekly meal rotation.

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