Craving a comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal? Look no further than this slow cooker Kare Kare recipe! This classic Filipino stew is packed with rich peanut sauce, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner or a special occasion. Best of all? It's surprisingly easy to make, even for busy weeknights, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious and healthy meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb oxtail, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional, but adds richness)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), optional but adds authentic flavor
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bunch long green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup string beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup eggplant, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
-
Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended): For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef shank and oxtail in a large skillet over medium-high heat before transferring them to your slow cooker. This step is easily skipped if you're short on time.
-
Slow Cooker Magic: In the slow cooker, combine the seared (or unseared) meat, onion, garlic, and ginger.
-
Sauce Creation: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, beef broth, water, shrimp paste (if using), fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Add the diced tomatoes.
-
Slow Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender.
-
Add Vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, add the long green beans, string beans, broccoli, bok choy, eggplant (if using), and green peas to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
-
Final Touches: If using shrimp, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more fish sauce or shrimp paste for saltiness and more peanut butter for creaminess.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Kare Kare:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Quality Peanut Butter Matters: Use a good quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: The amount of fish sauce and shrimp paste can be adjusted to your preference.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or potatoes.
- Make it Ahead: Kare Kare tastes even better the next day!
Variations:
- Chicken Kare Kare: Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the beef. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Pork Kare Kare: Use pork shoulder or belly for a richer, more flavorful stew.
- Vegetarian Kare Kare: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like tofu or mushrooms.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a serving of Kare Kare generally provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Calorie count is roughly in the range of 400-500 calories per serving, depending on meat and peanut butter quantities. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and portion sizes. This healthy meal is a great source of energy.
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade Kare Kare! It's a true taste of the Philippines, perfect for quick dinner ideas and satisfying your craving for delicious dishes. Remember to share your culinary creations with us!