While traditionally made with beef brisket, you can customize this dish with other cuts of meat or even different proteins, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
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Table of Contents
Introduction to Beef Pares
Beef Pares is a beloved Filipino dish that perfectly combines tender, slow-braised beef, a flavorful soy-based sauce, and comforting broth. “Pares” means “pair,” referring to the classic duo of braised beef and garlic fried rice, often served with a clear broth on the side. Popular in street food stalls and home kitchens alike, this dish is known for its rich, slightly sweet, and savory flavor.
Ingredients and Alternatives for beef pares recipe
To make an authentic Beef Pares, you’ll need the following:
For the Braised Beef:
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2 lbs beef brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces
Alternative: Beef shank, short ribs, or chuck roast for a richer taste. Chicken thighs for a lighter version. -
1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
Alternative: Butter for a deeper, richer flavor. -
1 large onion, chopped
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
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4 cups water or beef broth
Alternative: Mushroom broth for a vegetarian version. -
1/4 cup soy sauce
Alternative: Tamari or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium/gluten-free option. -
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Alternative: Honey or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener. -
2 pieces star anise
Alternative: 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder. -
1 beef bouillon cube
Alternative: Miso paste or extra beef broth. -
Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Alternative: Potato starch, arrowroot powder, or flour slurry.
For the Garlic Fried Rice:
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4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
Alternative: Brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. -
4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons cooking oil
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Salt to taste
For the Clear Beef Broth:
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4 cups beef broth
Alternative: Chicken or vegetable broth. -
2 cloves garlic, crushed
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1 small onion, quartered
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Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Braised Beef:
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Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef on all sides to lock in flavor.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
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Simmer the Meat: Pour in water or broth, soy sauce, sugar, and star anise. Add the beef bouillon cube. Bring to a boil.
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Slow Cook: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
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Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch slurry into the pot and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Preparing the Garlic Fried Rice:
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Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Sauté the garlic until golden and fragrant.
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Add the rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until well-coated and slightly toasted.
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Season with salt and serve hot.
3. Preparing the Clear Beef Broth:
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In a separate pot, combine broth, crushed garlic, and onion.
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Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
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Strain the broth, season with salt and pepper, and serve alongside the beef.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Pares
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Choosing the Right Cut: Brisket is ideal, but chuck roast or short ribs work well for extra tenderness.
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Marinate for More Flavor: Let the beef sit in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour before cooking.
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Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level based on your preference.
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Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice to prevent a mushy texture.
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Enhance the Broth: Add beef bones while simmering for a richer soup.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Pares is traditionally served with:
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Garlic fried rice
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Clear beef broth
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Chili oil or chopped chili for spice
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Freshly chopped green onions for garnish
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Hard-boiled egg or fried egg (optional)
For a noodle version, replace rice with egg noodles and serve with extra broth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Beef Pares in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the braised beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. What’s the best way to reheat Beef Pares?
Reheat the beef on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes! Cook for about 35-40 minutes on high pressure, then let the pressure release naturally.
Conclusion
Beef Pares is a comforting and flavorful Filipino dish that’s easy to prepare at home. With its rich braised beef, fragrant garlic fried rice, and soothing broth, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try ingredient substitutions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade Beef Pares! To watch a video on how to make beef pares check this link.