The smell of spices and sweet soy sauce fills the air. It takes you straight to Manila’s busy streets. Beef Pares, a favorite Filipino dish, has won hearts and stomachs everywhere. It’s a mix of tender beef, savory-sweet flavors, and a warm broth that soothes your soul.
Beef Pares is irresistible, whether you love Filipino food or are trying it for the first time. It started in Manila’s street food scene in the 1970s. Now, it’s a classic dish that brings people together, sharing a taste of the Philippines’ rich food traditions.
Table of Contents
What is Beef Pares: A Filipino Street Food Legacy
Beef pares is a favorite Filipino street food. It has become a big part of the country’s food culture. It started in 1979 at Jonas, a small eatery in Quezon City.
Origins and History in Manila
“Pares” means “pairs” in English. It’s tender beef asado with garlic-fried rice and a light soup. Lolita and Roger Tiu, the Jonas founders, came up with this tasty mix.
Cultural Significance in Filipino Cuisine
Beef pares is a key part of Filipino food. You can find it in paresan and carinderias. It’s loved by all, making it a comfort food and a symbol of street food culture.
Etymology of Pares
The word “pares” comes from Spanish, meaning “pairs” or “couples.” It shows the dish’s perfect pairing of beef, garlic rice, and soup. This makes for a great dining experience.
“Beef pares has become a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine, cementing its place as a cultural icon and a symbol of the country’s vibrant street food legacy.”
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Beef Pares
To make the perfect beef pares, a favorite Filipino beef stew, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients work together to give the dish its unique flavors and tender texture. The key ingredients add authenticity and depth to the dish.
The base of beef pares is high-quality beef, like chuck, brisket, or short ribs. These cuts make the dish tender and delicious. The recipe also includes onions, garlic, and ginger for a strong flavor.
The sauce is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Star anise, cinnamon stick, beef bouillon, and bay leaf add to the aroma. Beef stock is used as the base, with sesame oil and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
The mix of these beef pares ingredients makes the dish special. It offers a balance of savory, sweet, and spiced flavors. By choosing and mixing these ingredients carefully, home cooks can make a true beef pares dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (chuck, brisket, or short ribs) | 1 kg |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 2 tbsp |
| Star anise | 3-4 pieces |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 |
| Beef bouillon | 1 cube |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 3-4 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Beef stock | 8-10 cups |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch (for thickening) | 1 tbsp |
These key beef pares ingredients come together to create the authentic flavors and textures. This makes the beloved Filipino beef recipe a true delight for the senses.
Traditional Cooking Methods and Techniques
Making the perfect beef pares needs old-fashioned cooking ways. These methods bring out the dish’s unique tastes. The traditional way is slow braising, which makes tough beef tender and juicy.
Braising Process
The braising method is key for beef pares. First, the beef is seared to keep juices in and get a caramelized crust. Then, it’s cooked in a flavorful liquid, like broth, soy sauce, and spices, for 1-2 hours. This makes the beef tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Broth Preparation
The broth is the heart of beef pares, giving it a rich taste. To make it, beef is cooked with garlic, onions, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. This slow cooking blends the flavors, making the broth deep and satisfying.
Sauce Thickening Techniques
To get the thick, shiny sauce of beef pares, a cornstarch slurry is used. Near the end of cooking, cornstarch mixed with water is added to the liquid. This thickens the sauce, making it stick well to the beef.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 |
“The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef pares is in the low and slow braising method, which allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become irresistibly tender.”
Signature Sweet and Savory Flavors
Filipino beef recipes like Beef Pares are famous for their sweet and savory mix. The secret is in the ingredients that blend together. They make a sauce that’s full of umami and coats the beef.
The sweetness in Beef Pares comes from brown sugar or honey. These add to the savory flavors from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth. Spices like star anise and cinnamon add depth, making the dish even more flavorful.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 30g |
The result is a sweet-soy sauce that makes the beef tender and delicious. Beef Pares is a favorite that shows off the richness of Filipino cuisine.
Popular Variations and Regional Styles
Beef pares, a favorite Filipino street food, has grown in popularity. It now comes in many regional styles and unique twists. From the traditional street-style to noodle-based versions, these changes show how much people love this savory dish.
Pares Kanto (Street Style)
Pares Kanto, or “pushcart pares,” is a special version. It mixes tender beef and flavorful broth, making it slightly thicker. This easy-to-eat version is perfect for enjoying on the go.
Pares Mami (Noodle Version)
Pares Mami is a heartier version. It combines beef pares with Filipino egg noodle soup, like Vietnamese pho. This mix of textures and flavors is a hit with noodle lovers and fans of Filipino street food.
Pares Overload
The Pares Overload is a new twist on beef pares. It adds tender braised beef, fried pork lechon, and chicharong bulaklak. This rich dish shows how Filipino street food is always evolving.
These new takes on beef pares prove its lasting appeal. From the original street-style to the noodle and overloaded versions, each offers a special taste experience for fans of beef pares.
Perfect Rice Pairings and Side Dishes
Enjoying beef pares is better with the right sides. Traditional Filipino rice dishes and savory sides are perfect. They match the rich flavors of the beef pares.
Garlic fried rice, or sinangag, is a top choice. It’s made by stir-frying rice with garlic, soy sauce, and oil. The crispy sinangag contrasts well with the tender beef.
- The recipe for sinangag calls for 6 cups of cooked rice, 3 tablespoons of oil, and 1 head of finely minced garlic.
- A teaspoon of soy sauce or seasoning can be added to enhance the flavors.
- Sinangag contains approximately 290 calories per serving, with 49g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 8g of fat.
Beef pares also comes with clear soup, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, chili sauce, scallions, and crispy garlic. These sides add to the meal’s appeal. They offer texture and flavor contrasts to the beef.
“The perfect pairing of beef pares and traditional Filipino rice dishes creates a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.”
Some beef pares come with noodles instead of rice. This mix of flavors and textures is a nice change. It suits different tastes.
Choosing the right sides is key to enjoying beef pares. From sinangag to various sides, the right pairings make this Filipino street food unforgettable.
Tips for Achieving Tender, Flavorful Beef
Preparing the perfect tender beef tips requires the right Filipino cooking techniques. Choosing the right cut of meat and mastering the cooking process are key. Let’s explore the essential tips for a mouthwatering beef pares dish.
Meat Selection Guide
Choosing the right cut is crucial for tender, flavorful beef. Opt for marbled cuts like chuck or brisket. These tougher cuts become tender when slow-cooked.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking time and temperature are vital for tenderness. On the stovetop, simmer for 1-2 hours at low heat. A pressure cooker can reduce cooking time to 20-30 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
After cooking, let the beef cool completely. Then, skim off the solidified fat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water to keep it moist.
Follow these tips to create a delicious tender beef tips dish. It will showcase the best of Filipino cooking techniques.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Beef Pares is a favorite Filipino dish that’s not just tasty but also good for you. It’s packed with protein, which is key for building and repairing muscles. It also has iron and zinc, important for keeping your body and immune system strong.
A serving of Beef Pares (without rice) has about 537 calories, 32g carbohydrates, 14.2g protein, and 42g fat. While it has some sodium and fat, it can fit into a healthy diet if eaten in moderation.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 537 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 14.2g |
| Fat | 42g |
The ingredients in Beef Pares, like beef, ginger, and garlic, add to its health benefits. Beef is full of protein, iron, and vitamins that help muscles and overall health. Ginger helps with digestion and boosts the immune system. Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which are good for the heart and fight off sickness.
Enjoying Beef Pares or learning about the health benefits of Filipino food is a great way to enjoy Filipino culture. It’s a tasty and nutritious dish that’s sure to please.
Conclusion
Beef Pares has grown from a simple Filipino cuisine street food to a favorite dish worldwide. Its rich history, many ways to prepare, and tasty beef pares recipe make it a staple. It’s loved as a cozy home meal or a quick street food treat.
The secret to great Beef Pares is choosing the right ingredients and mastering cooking techniques. The tender beef, aromatic spices, and sweet-savory sauce all matter. Together, they create the unique flavor that has made Beef Pares a favorite in Filipino cuisine.
Next time you want a taste of the Philippines, try making this beef pares recipe. Enjoy it alone or with your favorite sides. The pleasure of eating Beef Pares will take you to Manila’s lively streets and the rich food traditions of the Filipino people.
Beef Pares
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef brisket or chuck cut into cubes
- 6 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Steamed rice and beef broth for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the beef cubes and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the beef is tender. Skim off any scum that rises to the top. Set the beef aside, and reserve 2 cups of the broth.
- In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked beef cubes to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Add the reserved beef broth, star anise, and beef bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve the beef pares hot over steamed rice with a side of the reserved broth. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.