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How to Make Delicious and Authentic Filipino Beef Pares

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Beef pares is a popular Filipino beef stew dish that is a specialty in the Metro Manila region. This deliciously sweet and savory meat dish is paired with garlic fried rice and a light beef broth, making it a tasty and filling meal. If you want to make authentic beef pares at home, this simple recipe guide will walk you through the entire process, from the flavorful stew to the perfect rice pairing.

Overview of Beef Pares

Beef pares originated as a street food in Manila. The name comes from the Spanish word “pares” meaning “pair” referring to the dish being served alongside garlic fried rice and beef broth. It rose to popularity as an affordable and tasty meal option.

Key features that make beef pares stand out

  • Stew cut beef brisket cubes braised until meltingly tender
  • Sweet-savory sauce flavored with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and spices
  • Aromatic accents like star anise, bay leaves, and black pepper
  • Garnish of fresh chopped green onions
  • Served with garlic fried rice and clear beef broth

Part of what makes this dish so comforting is the use of brisket. The collagen in the brisket breaks down during cooking, resulting in a soft tender texture. When combined with the sweet and slightly salty sauce, you get an irresistible flavor.

Shopping List for Ingredients

To make beef pares at home, you will need:

For the beef stew:

  • Beef brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
  • Brown sugar (3 tbsp)
  • Garlic (4 cloves), minced
  • Ginger (1 inch), minced
  • Star anise (1-2 pcs)
  • Bay leaves (2 pcs)
  • Black peppercorns (1/2 tsp), crushed
  • Cooking oil (2-3 tbsp)
  • Beef broth (4 cups)
  • Optional: Dried red chili flakes

For the garlic fried rice:

  • Cooked jasmine rice (4 cups)
  • Garlic (6 cloves), minced
  • Small onion, diced
  • Cooking oil (2 tbsp)
  • Salt

For the clear beef broth:

  • Beef bones
  • Garlic (2 cloves), minced
  • Onion (1 small), sliced
  • Salt

For garnish:

  • Green onions, sliced

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make restaurant-quality beef pares at home.

Prep the beef:

  • Cut the beef brisket into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Make the stew:

  • In a pot over medium heat, sauté garlic, ginger, bay leaves, star anise until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

  • Add beef cubes. Brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Add soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir well.

  • Simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is very tender.

  • Season with salt and chili flakes (optional) to taste.

  • Simmer 5-10 minutes more to let flavors develop.

Meanwhile, make the garlic fried rice:

  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic and onion in oil until fragrant.

  • Add cooked rice. Mix well and fry 3-5 minutes until heated through.

  • Season with salt to taste.

For the beef broth:

  • In a separate pot, simmer beef bones, garlic, onion, and salt for 10-15 minutes.

To serve:

  • Place garlic fried rice in a bowl.

  • Ladle tender beef stew over.

  • Garnish with green onions.

  • Serve hot beef broth on the side.

Tips for the Best Beef Pares

  • Use brisket for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat texture. Other stew cuts like chuck or round also work.

  • Simmer long enough (1.5-2 hours) until beef is fall-apart tender.

  • Toast the rice in oil for added flavor in the garlic fried rice.

  • Add some beef stew sauce to the broth before serving for extra flavor.

  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

  • Garnish with lime wedges, fried egg, or boiled egg for variation.

  • For spicier beef stew, use more dried red chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Why Make Beef Pares at Home?

Recreating this Filipino favorite stew at home lets you customize it to your taste and saves money compared to getting takeout. With inexpensive ingredients like brisket and pantry staples, it makes for an economical meal. Preparing it yourself also allows you to control the flavors and spices exactly how you prefer. This homemade version means enjoying piping hot, ultra tender beef pares just how you like it in the comfort of your own kitchen.

The aromatic stewed beef with hints of anise and black pepper is hard to resist. Paired with the crunchy garlic-infused rice and a light dipping broth, beef pares is the ultimate hearty comfort food. Try making it on a lazy weekend and enjoy this delicious Filipino specialty.

how to make beef pares

Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Tender, Flavorful Beef Pares

Start by cutting your beef into chunky cubes, around 1.5 inches each. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the beef, and let it boil for about 3–4 minutes. This step removes scum and impurities. Discard the water and rinse the beef under running water.

Can I make beef pares ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after resting overnight as the flavors fully develop.

Beef Pares | How to Make Beef Pares Recipe

FAQ

What are the ingredients of beef pares?

Ingredients
  • 1 lb beef brisket or shank (I used shank), cut into small pieces/cubes.
  • Salt and pepper.
  • 1T cooking oil.
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 thumb ginger, grated.
  • 1/2 medium red onion, chopped.
  • 2 star anise pods.
  • half of a cinnamon stick.

Is beef pares unhealthy?

The high saturated fat content from beef cuts found in pares can lead to increased blood cholesterol levels, which in turn may lead to plaquing of arteries and heart disease.

How to make beef tender and soft?

AI Overview
  1. 1. Velveting (Baking Soda):
    • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on thinly sliced beef and gently toss to coat. 

        • RecipeTin Eats
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          Tenderise beef for stir fries (Velveting Beef) – RecipeTin Eats
          Feb 23, 2019 — How to tenderise beef – easily! There are a few methods, but this is the easiest way: Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz…

    • Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. 

        • RecipeTin Eats
          https://www.recipetineats.com
          Tenderise beef for stir fries (Velveting Beef) – RecipeTin Eats
          Feb 23, 2019 — How to tenderise beef – easily! There are a few methods, but this is the easiest way: Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz…

        • YouTube  ·  FEATR
          https://www.youtube.com
          INSTANT TENDER BEEF WITH THIS INGREDIENT
          Sep 20, 2023 — ever wondered why the beef in a beef stir fry is so damn soft velveting is a crucial step in many Chinese beef stir fry dishes. simply add baking so…

    • This method helps break down the protein and makes the beef incredibly tender, especially for stir-fries. 

        • RecipeTin Eats
          https://www.recipetineats.com
          Tenderise beef for stir fries (Velveting Beef) – RecipeTin Eats
          Feb 23, 2019 — How to tenderise beef – easily! There are a few methods, but this is the easiest way: Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz…

        • YouTube  ·  FEATR
          https://www.youtube.com
          INSTANT TENDER BEEF WITH THIS INGREDIENT
          Sep 20, 2023 — ever wondered why the beef in a beef stir fry is so damn soft velveting is a crucial step in many Chinese beef stir fry dishes. simply add baking so…

    • Acidic Marinades: Use acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar (especially red wine vinegar), or buttermilk in your marinade. 

        • Taste of Home
          https://www.tasteofhome.com
          8 Simple Ways to Make Tough Meat Tender – Taste of Home
          Aug 27, 2024 — For tough cuts like chuck steak, a meat mallet can be a surprisingly effective way to break down those tough muscle fibers. … Using acidic ingredi…

        • Pacific Rim wine
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          What is Red Wine Vinegar? – Pacific Rim and Company
          Oct 3, 2022 — Red wine vinegar is also a potent meat tenderizer. If you have tough meat, then add half a cup of red wine vinegar to the meat and cover it for 2-4 h…

        • holar.com.tw
          https://www.holar.com.tw
          The Science of Vinegar: How It Enhances Flavor and Preservation – Holar | Taiwan Kitchenware & Houseware Expert Supplier
          Marinating meat is one of the oldest ways of adding flavor to food. Vinegar has been used in marinades for centuries because it works really well. The acetic ac…

    • Marinating Time: Allow the meat to marinate for several hours, or even overnight, to break down the tough protein structures. 

        • Quora
          https://www.quora.com
          How to make my meat soft? I want to make a beef stew. Can I boil the …
          Apr 13, 2022 — The toughness of the meat is due to the collagen between the muscles, which breaks down as you cook it. Just cook it low and slow for several hours …

        • Taste of Home
          https://www.tasteofhome.com
          8 Simple Ways to Make Tough Meat Tender – Taste of Home
          Aug 27, 2024 — For tough cuts like chuck steak, a meat mallet can be a surprisingly effective way to break down those tough muscle fibers. … Using acidic ingredi…

        • Acabonac Farms
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          Feb 12, 2024 — 3. Use Salt and Marinades Salt the beef generously a few hours before cooking to help break down the proteins and tenderize the meat. If using a mar…

        • Pacific Rim wine
          https://www.pacificrimandco.com
          What is Red Wine Vinegar? – Pacific Rim and Company
          Oct 3, 2022 — Red wine vinegar is also a potent meat tenderizer. If you have tough meat, then add half a cup of red wine vinegar to the meat and cover it for 2-4 h…

        • holar.com.tw
          https://www.holar.com.tw
          The Science of Vinegar: How It Enhances Flavor and Preservation – Holar | Taiwan Kitchenware & Houseware Expert Supplier
          Marinating meat is one of the oldest ways of adding flavor to food. Vinegar has been used in marinades for centuries because it works really well. The acetic ac…

  2. 3. Slow Cooking (Braising or Stewing):
    • Low and Slow: Cook tougher cuts like brisket or chuck roast at low temperatures (e.g., 250-350°F/121-177°C) for several hours. 

        • Quora
          https://www.quora.com
          How to make beef tender without having to cook it for hours
          Nov 11, 2016 — Braising is best at lower temperatures like 250-350˚F/121-177˚C to allow your food to cook slowly, usually for hours, depending on what it is. This …

        • EatingWell
          https://www.eatingwell.com
          The Secret to Making Cheap Meat Tender and Tasty – EatingWell
          Jul 10, 2023 — Cook It Slowly This is certainly true when it comes to notoriously tough cuts of meat like beef brisket and pork shoulder. Cooking these cuts of mea…

    • Moisture: Maintain a moist environment (e.g., with broth or liquid) to prevent the meat from drying out and toughening. 

        • Simply Recipes
          https://www.simplyrecipes.com
          The Secret to Perfectly Tender Stew Meat Every Time, According to a …
          Oct 25, 2024 — Low and Slow Is (Really) the Key Some cooking phrases are well-worn for good reason, and “low and slow” is one of them. Lower temperatures for longe…

        • EatingWell
          https://www.eatingwell.com
          The Secret to Making Cheap Meat Tender and Tasty – EatingWell
          Jul 10, 2023 — Cook It Slowly This is certainly true when it comes to notoriously tough cuts of meat like beef brisket and pork shoulder. Cooking these cuts of mea…

    • Meat Mallet: Use a meat mallet (or other heavy tool) to pound steaks between layers of plastic wrap or wax paper. 

        • Food Network
          https://www.foodnetwork.com
          How to Tenderize Steak 7 Ways – Food Network
          Oct 18, 2022 — 1. Pounding. Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. Simply place the meat in between pieces of…

    • Tenderization: Pounding breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissue, making the steak thinner and more tender. 

        • Food Network
          https://www.foodnetwork.com
          How to Tenderize Steak 7 Ways – Food Network
          Oct 18, 2022 — 1. Pounding. Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. Simply place the meat in between pieces of…

  3. 5. Meat Tenderizer Powder:
    • Sprinkle meat tenderizing powder (contains enzymes) over the steak and let it sit for about 20 minutes before cooking. 

        • The Kitchn
          https://www.thekitchn.com
          The Best Way to Tenderize Steak (Tested & Approved) | The Kitchn

  4. 6. Cutting Against the Grain: 

      • YouTube  ·  dimsimlim
        https://www.youtube.com
        HOW TO TENDERIZE BEEF LIKE CHINESE RESTAURANTS …
        Jan 8, 2024 — this is how Chinese restaurants tenderize their beef this is beef top side and I can turn any piece of beef into wagu first we’re going to cut it wit…

      • Industry Kitchens
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        How to Slice Deli Meat Without a Slicer Perfectly | IK
        Dec 5, 2024 — One of the secrets to getting tender slices is to cut against the meat grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibres in the meat and slice them …

    • Cut the meat perpendicularly to the grain to break down the muscle fibers and make the slices more tender. 

        • Industry Kitchens
          https://www.industrykitchens.com.au
          How to Slice Deli Meat Without a Slicer Perfectly | IK
          Dec 5, 2024 — One of the secrets to getting tender slices is to cut against the meat grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibres in the meat and slice them …

Can I use beef flank for pares?

Pares means pair or partner – a combination of beef and fried rice. Cuts with lots of litid (tendon) are used to achieve a texture that is tender and sticky at the same time. I usually use beef flank, but brisket and shanks are also ideal for making beef pares.

How long does it take to prepare beef pares?

Beef pares takes a few good hours to make, but the result is a delicious and filling meal that’s worth the effort. The recipe calls for brisket, but you can also use other cuts suitable for braising or stewing, such as short ribs, shanks, chuck, or round. The tender braised beef, fried rice redolent of garlic, and piping-hot beef broth make a fantastic meal.

How do you make ebeef pares?

Creating an authentic Ebeef pares recipe involves several straightforward steps: Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes. Boil it in water with ginger and garlic until tender. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in a pan until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and star anise. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cooked beef into the pan.

How can I make a healthier version of beef pares?

To make a healthier version of the beef pares recipe, consider using lean cuts of beef, reducing oil, and incorporating brown rice for added fiber. Adding vegetables like bok choy or carrots can further enhance its nutritional value.

How do you make beef pares?

Aside from its flavor, what makes beef pares stand out is the melt-in-the-mouth quality of the beef. To start, saute the garlic, ginger, and onions until they have browned. Then, stir in the beef. Saute until the beef has browned as well, then add enough water to cover the beef. Add the soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and star anise as well.

How do you eat beef pares?

Mold a mound of garlic rice onto a plate, ladle the beef and its glossy sauce on the side, and accompany it with a bowl of clear soup garnished with scallions. Don’t forget a sprinkle of toasted garlic for that extra crunch and flavor. Beef pares isn’t just food; it’s a reminder of shared meals, bustling eateries, and the comfort of home.

What is a good food pairing for beef pares?

Beef Pares is the best food pairing ever. The combination of tender beef Asado, garlic fried rice, and piping-hot broth is filling and delicious. Hearty soups like sinigang or tinola are also great comfort foods.

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