Kare Kare, a traditional Filipino stew, is known for its rich, complex flavors and the time it takes to prepare. With this simplified, one-pot recipe, you can enjoy the comforting taste of Kare Kare conveniently, no matter the occasion.

The Origins of Kare Kare

The origins of Kare Kare are as rich and varied as the dish itself. Some food historians believe that it was brought to the Philippines by Indian traders and settlers, who introduced their love for peanut sauces to the local cuisine. Others argue that it has roots in the culinary traditions of the Moro people, who have long used peanuts in their cooking. Regardless of its origins, Kare Kare has become a beloved staple in Filipino households and a must-try for anyone interested in Filipino cuisine.

Childhood Memories of Kare Kare

One of my favorite childhood memories is of my dad cooking Kare Kare for our family. It was a dish that he would prepare with much love and care, often spending the whole day to get it just right. The aroma of the simmering stew, the vibrant colors of the vegetables and meats, and the anticipation of the meal to come are memories that I hold dear. I remember how we would all gather around the table, eager to dig into the comforting bowl of stew.

To this day, Kare Kare remains one of my favorite dishes, and I am excited to share this easy one-pot recipe with you.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The main ingredients in Kare Kare are meat, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce made from peanuts. In this recipe, we use chuck roast cuts, bok choy, snake beans, eggplant, and a variety of seasonings. However, one of the beauties of this dish is its flexibility.

Feel free to substitute the chuck roast cuts with other cuts of beef, or even use chicken or seafood if you prefer. Likewise, while bok choy, snake beans, and eggplant are traditional, you can use other vegetables that you have on hand or prefer. The key is to use a variety of textures and colors to create a visually appealing dish.

For the sauce, we use peanut butter for convenience and a consistent flavor. However, if you have a peanut allergy or simply don’t like peanuts, you can substitute it with other nut butters or even tahini.

Enjoying Your One-Pot Kare Kare

Kare Kare is best enjoyed hot, with a generous serving of rice on the side. The richness of the stew is perfectly balanced by the plain rice, and it makes for a truly satisfying meal. In traditional Filipino households, Kare Kare is often paired with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste that adds a whole new dimension of flavor to the dish.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this one-pot Kare Kare as much as I do. It’s a comforting, hearty stew that is perfect for family dinners or get-togethers with friends.

One-Pot Kare Kare Recipe

Ingredients

For the stew:

1. 1 lb of chuck roast, cut into chunks
2. 10 cups of water
3. Sea salt to taste
4. Black pepper to taste
5. 1 tbsp garlic powder
6. 1 tbsp onion powder

For the sauté and sauce:

1. 3 bok choy stalks
2. 2 cups of snake beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
3. 3 eggplants, sliced
4. Garlic (as many cloves as you prefer), minced
5. 1 medium onion, chopped
6. 1-2 tsp of fish sauce
7. 1 tbsp of olive oil
8. 1/2 tbsp of annatto seeds
9. 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
10. 1 tbsp of beef bouillon

Instructions

1. Season the chuck roast chunks with sea salt and pepper. Sear the beef in a large pot, then add 6 cups of water. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Leave on high heat for about 2 hours, adding an additional 4 cups of water halfway through the cooking time. Be sure to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
2. While the meat is cooking, prepare your vegetables: slice the eggplant, cut the bok choy, and trim the snake beans into 2-inch pieces.
3. (Optional) In a separate pan, sear the eggplant slices on both sides until they have a nice char. Set aside.
4. After two hours, remove the meat and broth from the pot. Wipe the pot clean, then heat the olive oil and annatto seeds over medium heat for about a minute. Strain out the seeds, reserving the oil in the pot.
5. Sauté the garlic and onions in the annatto-infused oil until they are slightly caramelized. Return the meat and broth to the pot, and add the peanut butter, fish sauce, and beef bouillon. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the snake beans to the stew first, stirring them in and letting them cook for about a minute. Then, place the bok choy on top of the stew to blanch for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve the stew hot, accompanied by white rice and bagoong (Filipino shrimp paste). Enjoy your delicious and comforting bowl of Beef Kare Kare!

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Here’s my youtube video on how I made this amazing dish!