Easy Dinner Idea #6: Beef Pares Recipe

The Beef Pares Recipe is A classic Filipino comfort food. Beef Pares is a savory-sweet dish featuring a long-simmered braised beef served on rice with garlic and a soothing broth. Pares means “pair” in Filipino, and to this day, the meat is served with rice and soup, making a wholesome meal of sorts. This dish is popular on Philippine roadside and casual dining establishments as a quick but filling meal.

A perfect Beef Pares Recipe is made by deliciously slow-braising beef in  soy sauce, star anise, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. The result is a slow-cooking process that infuses the meat with its deep, caramelized sauce flavors, making it incredibly tender. The broth, usually drained from the braising liquid, returns to the fire, with beef stock and other seasonings added to yield a deep, umami-forward soup that makes an ideal counterpoint to the dish.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting homemade meal or a taste of Filipino street food culture, Beef Pares is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers an authentic taste experience. Serve it hot with fried garlic rice and a steaming bowl of broth for the ultimate indulgence.

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Origins of Beef Pares Recipe

This type of beef pares recipe traces its origins through the long culinary history of the Philippines using simple and delectable combinations of savory and sweet. It is believed that the dish originated from the busy streets of Manila, where street vendors served it as a quick and filling meal for laborers and workers. The term “pares” comes from the Tagalog word for “pair,” referencing how the dish is typically served: a pairing of tender beef and flavorful garlic rice, making it a balanced and filling meal.
Beef Pares was once an ordinary street food  usually prepared in massive cauldrons over an open flame. Over the years, though, it evolved and found its way into home kitchens and restaurant menus, where it has been a favorite comfort food ever since. Though it has Filipino roots, the recipe has been adapted in different countries, with several tweaks to make it more palatable to local tastes, turning it into a widely loved dish that has enjoyed popularity far beyond the Philippines.

Keys for Perfecting Beef Pares Recipe

To recreate a truly delicious Beef Pares at home, there are several key techniques and ingredients that must be carefully considered. Here are some tips for perfecting your Beef Pares recipe:

• Selecting the Best Cut of Beef: The best cut for Beef Pares is beef shank or short ribs. These cuts are affordable and high in collagen, which breaks down when cooked low and slow to create a rich, hearty broth. The marrow from the beef shank gives the sauce a silky richness. Skip leaner cuts, which won’t have the depth of flavor and tenderness these cuts do.
• Slow-cored Beef: Beef Pares is slow-cored to cook the beef meat well. The braise is used in real beef pares. These can be made in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stovetop. Simmer the meat for at least 2-3 hours, if possible, so it gets tender and soaks up all the sauce flavors.
• Balanced Sauce: The savory-sweet sauce is one of the hallmarks of Beef Pares. Soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices create a flavorful balance. The salty umami comes from the soy sauce; brown sugar brings sweetness. A hint of star anise or cinnamon adds to the flavor depth. Adjust the sugar-to-soy ratio to taste.
• Garlic Rice: No Beef Pares is complete without garlic rice. This simple side dish is made by sautéing garlic in oil and mixing it with leftover rice. The garlic adds a savory fragrance that complements the rich beef stew perfectly.

Why Homemade is a Great Idea

While Beef Pares can be enjoyed at many restaurants, making it at home has its own set of advantages. The primary benefit is the ability to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference. You can experiment with the level of sweetness, saltiness, and spice, making the dish truly your own. Here are some additional reasons why homemade Beef Pares is the way to go:

• Fresher Ingredients: Another point to emphasize is the fresh ingredients of homemade beef pares made with fresh and quality ingredients. It requires several fresh ingredients so that each bite can be delightful. You can do organic or grass-fed beef for a healthier option, too.
• Cost-Effective: Cooking Beef Pares at home is usually cheaper than buying it from a restaurant. The ingredients are inexpensive , and making one big batch can last the whole family a day, with leftovers in the next.
• Macros Control: When cooking at home, you can control the portion sizes and tweak the recipe as per your dietary requirements. You can say no to low-sodium soy sauce, cut down on sugar, or try to include more vegetables for a nutritional boost.
• Cooking Experience: Combining all the elements needed for Beef Pares from scratch gives you a sense of accomplishment and allows you to exercise your cooking muscles. It can also be a fun, communal activity if you involve family members or friends in the process.

Health Benefits

While Beef Pares is a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer several health benefits, especially when enjoyed in moderation. Here is a breakdown of the potential health benefits of this Filipino classic:

Tips and Tricks about Beef Pares Recipe

• Pressure cooker: If you’re in a hurry, a pressure cooker can cut the cooking time by a lot to get that tender beef. You can cook a beef shank in a pressure cooker in 45 minutes to an hour, versus the 2 or 3 hours it takes to boil it by traditional braising.
• Soak the Beef: You can marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of brown sugar for about 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors. The longer they marinate, the more the beef will absorb the marinade.
• Adjust Seasoning: Never skip tasting the sauce while it cooks. Depending on how sweet or salty you’d like, you may want to play around with the amount of sugar or soy sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: To make it healthy and nutritious, boil some carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers and boil it with the stew. Not only do these vegetables add flavor, but they also contribute color and texture.
• Make Extra for Leftovers: Beef Pares is even better as the flavors meld the next day. Make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Beef Pares Recipe Variations

While the traditional Beef Pares recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to add a twist to this classic dish:

• Spicy Beef Pares: Add chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Beef Pares with Pineapple: For a sweet and tangy flavor, add pineapple chunks to the stew.
• Vegetarian Pares: Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version of this dish.

Beef Pares Recipe From OoohDelish!

Beef Pares Recipe

Beef Pares is a delicious Filipino dish made by braising tender beef in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. The dish is often served with garlic rice (sinangag) and is a perfect comfort food for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Filipino Cuisine

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Stirring spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds beef shank or short ribs
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 2 star anise
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional, for extra umami
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups garlic rice sinangag for serving

Instructions

 

• Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef shank or short ribs, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
• Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the marinated beef on all sides to lock in the flavors. Once browned, set the beef aside.
• Prepare the Broth: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the spices' aromas.
• Cook the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the stew simmer on low for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the stew and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
• Serve: Serve the Beef Pares with freshly made garlic rice (sinangag). Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Recipe Tips: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time!
• Variation: For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the garlic and onions.

 

Keyword Beef Stew with Garlic Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe

Conclusion: Beef Pares Recipe

Beef Pares is rich, hearty, spicy, and surprisingly versatile enough to learn as a home cook. Whether you need a substantial dinner, something to wow your visitors, or a dish to soothe your loved ones, Beef Pares takes the cake. And then you’ve got its tender beef, rich sauce, and garlic rice pairing, all of which make it the perfect meal to customize however you want. Try this recipe for an unforgettable dinner experience.

Why You Should Try Beef Pares for Easy Dinner Ideas

Beef Pares makes an excellent addition to your “Easy Dinner Ideas” category because it’s simple to prepare and perfect for those looking for a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. The recipe’s versatility allows you to adjust it to your preferences, and with the slow-cooking method, you can prepare it in advance for a stress-free dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a family, entertaining guests, or simply craving something savory, Beef Pares is a reliable and flavorful choice for any occasion.

FAQs : Beef Pares Recipe

Share Your Twist!

We’d love to hear your version of Beef Pares Recipe ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!

References

Beef Recipes