Beef Pares: A Comforting and Flavorful Filipino Classic
Beef Pares is a well-loved Filipino dish known for its rich, aromatic broth and tender beef, usually served with garlic rice. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare but requires patience for the slow braising process that ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this comforting meal is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
3 kilos of beef (preferably brisket with some fat)
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup vinegar
3-4 liters of water
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 star anise
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp water)
Spring onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large casserole, heat some oil and sauté the minced garlic, onions, and sliced ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the Beef and Seasonings
Add the beef brisket and sear it for a few minutes. Then, season with soy sauce, black pepper, bay leaves, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir well to coat the beef in the flavorful mixture.
3. Sweeten the Dish
Sprinkle in the brown sugar for added depth of flavor and color. Adjust the amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
4. Simmer and Braise
Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it braise for 2-3 hours until the beef becomes fork-tender. Make sure the broth reduces to concentrate the flavors—avoid adding too much water, as this can dilute the taste.
5. Thicken the Broth
Once the beef is tender, add the cornstarch slurry to the broth. Stir well to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for an extra layer of freshness and flavor. Serve hot with garlic rice.
How to Make Garlic Rice
Pair your Beef Pares with homemade garlic rice for an authentic experience. Simply toast minced garlic in oil until golden brown, then mix it with steamed rice. For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce for color and umami depth.
Enjoying Beef Pares
This dish is best enjoyed with loved ones, offering a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors in every bite. The rich broth soaks into the garlic rice, making each spoonful an indulgent experience.
Bonus Tip: Reusing the Leftover Broth
Don’t let the flavorful broth go to waste!
You can repurpose it for:
Sizzling Pares: Reduce the broth further and serve it over sizzling beef.
Bulalo: Use it as a base for a comforting beef marrow soup.
Beef Pares is more than just a meal—it’s a heartwarming dish that brings people together. Try this recipe and let the flavors of Filipino comfort food fill your home!
