Are you craving a rich, savory, and incredibly comforting dish? Look no further than Beef Pares, a beloved Filipino classic! This easy recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef in a deeply flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious dish. This recipe offers a simple approach to a culinary masterpiece, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 star anise
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rock sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Beef
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps develop a richer flavor. Set aside the browned beef.
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Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced ginger and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Building the Flavorful Broth
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Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the star anise, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Pour in the soy sauce, rock sugar, and rice wine vinegar. Stir well to combine.
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Add the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
Finishing Touches and Serving
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Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can remove some of the broth if it's too much for your liking.
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Serve the Beef Pares hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Tips for the Best Beef Pares:
- Choosing the Right Beef: Beef brisket is traditionally used for Beef Pares, as it becomes incredibly tender during the long simmering process.
- Don't Rush the Simmering: The slow simmering is key to developing the rich, complex flavors of this dish. Patience is rewarded!
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter, others a more savory version.
- Make it Ahead: Beef Pares tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Spicy Pares: Add a few Thai chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more garlic! You can’t go wrong with extra garlic.
- Vegetable Pares: Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bok choy during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient amounts. However, expect a dish relatively high in protein and sodium, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fat.
This recipe ensures a healthy and delicious meal packed with flavor. Enjoy your homemade Beef Pares! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing family and friends with your homemade cooking skills. This quick dinner idea is also perfect for busy weeknights. Try this best recipe and elevate your food recipes to the next level!