Beef Pares Recipe

Introduction

Beef pares is a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine, known for its tender beef chunks, rich sauce, and perfectly balanced flavors of sweet and savory. The term “pares,” which means “pair” in Filipino, refers to the traditional pairing of this dish with garlic fried rice and a light beef broth. Together, they create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This beef pares recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve tender, flavorful beef, along with a thick, aromatic sauce that captures the essence of this Filipino classic. Whether you’re recreating a street food favorite or simply trying it for the first time, beef pares is sure to become a go-to dish for its heartwarming appeal and irresistible taste.

Ready to bring this Filipino favorite to your table? Let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need.

Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe: For another umami-packed beef recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Beef Pares Recipe

To create authentic beef pares, you’ll need a combination of basic pantry staples and a few aromatic ingredients to achieve its signature flavor. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

1. Beef Brisket or Chuck
   • 1–1.5 pounds of beef brisket or chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes. These cuts are ideal for their marbling, which results in tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking.
2. Soy Sauce
   • ½ cup of soy sauce for a savory umami base.
3. Brown Sugar
   • 3–4 tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the savory flavors with sweetness.
4. Garlic
   • 4–5 cloves, minced. Garlic is a key ingredient that adds depth and aroma to the dish.
5. Onion
   • 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to build the flavor base.
6. Ginger
   • 1 thumb-sized piece, sliced thinly. Ginger adds a subtle warmth and freshness to the dish.
7. Beef Broth or Water
   • 3–4 cups to simmer the beef and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
8. Star Anise
   • 2–3 pieces for a mild, licorice-like flavor that gives beef pares its distinctive aroma.
9. Cornstarch Slurry
   • 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water to thicken the sauce.
10. Salt and Pepper

• To season the beef and adjust the flavors as needed.

Optional Ingredients

1. Sesame Oil
   • A few drops for a nutty, aromatic finish.
2. Chili Flakes or Sliced Chilies
   • Add heat for a spicy variation.
3. Green Onions
   • Thinly sliced, for garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
   • Serve alongside the dish for added richness and protein.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Beef Cuts
   • Substitute brisket or chuck with short ribs or shank for similar results.
2. Brown Sugar
   • Replace with coconut sugar, honey, or regular white sugar if needed.
3. Star Anise
   • If unavailable, use ½ teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder as an alternative.
4. Soy Sauce
   • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Pares Recipe

Follow these detailed steps to prepare beef pares that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with garlic fried rice and beef broth.

Preparing the Beef Pares Recipe

1. Clean and Cut the Beef
   • Rinse the beef brisket or chuck under cold water and pat dry.
   • Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, trimming any excess fat if necessary.
2. Marinate the Beef
   • In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and a pinch of black pepper.
   • Mix well to coat the beef evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Cooking the Beef Pares Recipe

1. Sear the Beef
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Add the marinated beef (reserve the marinade) and sear until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and enhances the beef’s texture.
   • Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   • In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, chopped onions, and sliced ginger until fragrant and the onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Simmer the Beef
   • Return the beef to the pot along with the reserved marinade. Add 3–4 cups of beef broth or water, ensuring the beef is fully submerged.
   • Add 2–3 pieces of star anise for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
   • Once the beef is tender, remove the star anise. In a small bowl, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water.
   • Stir the slurry into the pot and cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Adjust Seasonings
   • Taste the sauce and adjust with additional soy sauce, sugar, or salt as needed. For a hint of nuttiness, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before serving.

Preparing the Pares Pairings

1. Garlic Fried Rice
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and sauté 4–5 cloves of minced garlic until golden brown.
   • Add cooked white rice and stir-fry until the rice is evenly coated with garlic oil. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Beef Broth
   • Ladle some of the beef cooking liquid into a separate pot, skim off excess fat, and simmer with additional water if needed.
   • Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Serving the Dish

1. Plating
   • Serve the beef pares in a bowl, topped with extra sauce and garnished with sliced green onions.
   • Plate the garlic fried rice alongside, with a small bowl of beef broth on the side.
2. Optional Additions
   • Add a hard-boiled egg or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Beef Pares Recipe

Creating an authentic and delicious beef pares requires a few tricks to ensure the meat is tender, the sauce is rich, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Here are some tips to help you master the recipe.

Choosing the Right Beef Cut

1. Best Cuts for Pares
   • Brisket: Known for its marbling, brisket becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
   • Chuck: Another excellent choice, offering a balance of meat and fat that works well for simmering.
   • Short Ribs or Shank: Great alternatives for added flavor and richness, but may require longer cooking times.
2. Trim Excess Fat
   • While some fat is necessary for flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Trim larger pieces of fat before cooking.

Achieving a Rich, Balanced Sauce

1. Balance Sweet and Savory
   • Start with the recommended amounts of soy sauce and sugar, then adjust gradually to your taste. Add more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for a saltier profile.
2. Add Depth with Aromatics
   • Star anise and ginger are key ingredients for the signature flavor of beef pares. Don’t skip them! If you’re feeling adventurous, a small piece of cinnamon stick can add a subtle warmth.
3. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry
   • The cornstarch slurry gives the sauce its glossy, thick consistency. Stir it in slowly and let it cook for a few minutes to ensure there are no lumps.

Perfecting the Beef Texture

1. Cook Low and Slow
   • Simmering the beef at a low temperature allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
2. Avoid Overcooking
   • While tender beef is the goal, overcooking can cause the meat to fall apart too much, losing its chunky texture. Check for doneness after 1.5 hours and continue cooking only if needed.

Enhancing the Garlic Fried Rice and Broth

1. Golden Garlic Tips
   • For perfectly golden garlic, sauté it over medium heat, stirring constantly. This prevents burning and ensures an even golden-brown color.
2. Flavorful Broth
   • Use some of the beef cooking liquid as a base for the broth. Skim off excess fat, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions for a flavorful side.

Make It Ahead

1. Marinate Overnight
   • For maximum flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator. This step infuses the meat with a deeper umami taste.
2. Reheat with Care
   • Beef pares tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently over low heat to avoid drying out the beef.

Serving Suggestions

Beef pares is traditionally served as part of a trio: tender beef in a flavorful sauce, garlicky fried rice, and a light beef broth. To elevate your presentation and enhance the dining experience, here are some serving ideas and pairings.

Classic Pairings

1. Garlic Fried Rice
   • The savory and aromatic garlic fried rice is a perfect match for the rich sauce of beef pares. Top the rice with crispy fried garlic for added texture.
2. Light Beef Broth
   • A simple clear broth made from the beef cooking liquid, seasoned with salt, pepper, and green onions, balances the richness of the dish.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs
   • Sliced hard-boiled eggs served alongside the dish add richness and an extra layer of texture.

Side Dishes to Complement

1. Pickled Vegetables
   • Tangy atchara (pickled green papaya) or pickled cucumbers cut through the sweetness and richness of the sauce, offering a refreshing contrast.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   • Lightly sautéed vegetables like bok choy, green beans, or carrots provide color and a healthy complement to the dish.
3. Crispy Lumpia (Spring Rolls)
   • A side of lumpia adds a crunchy texture to the meal, and its savory filling pairs beautifully with the beef pares.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Pares Bowl
   • Create a bowl by layering garlic fried rice, beef pares, and its sauce. Top with a soft-boiled egg, sliced chilies, and green onions for an Instagram-ready presentation.
2. Pares Sliders
   • Use shredded beef pares as a filling for small buns or sliders. Add a dollop of sauce and a pickle for a creative appetizer or snack.
3. Pares Pizza
   • Spread the beef pares sauce over pizza dough, top with shredded beef and mozzarella cheese, and bake for a Filipino-inspired pizza.
4. Pares Tacos
   • Fill soft tacos with beef pares, garlic rice, and a sprinkle of green onions. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-Mexican fusion twist.

Beverage Pairings

1. Calamansi Juice
   • A sweet and tangy calamansi (Filipino lime) juice complements the rich flavors of the dish.
2. Iced Tea
   • A classic sweet iced tea or lemon iced tea is a refreshing drink to serve alongside beef pares.
3. Beer
   • A light, crisp lager pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
4. Hot Ginger Tea
   • For a traditional touch, serve hot ginger tea to cleanse the palate and balance the meal’s richness.

Presentation Tips

1. Use a Rustic Platter
   • Serve beef pares in a large, shallow bowl or rustic plate with its sauce generously ladled over the beef. Place the rice and broth in smaller, matching dishes.
2. Garnish Generously
   • Top the dish with sliced green onions, chili flakes, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Set the Table Authentically
   • Include banana leaves or woven placemats for an authentic Filipino dining experience.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about beef pares to help you troubleshoot, customize, and perfect this beloved Filipino dish.

What does “pares” mean?

• Meaning of Pares: The word “pares” translates to “pair” in Filipino. It refers to the traditional pairing of sweet-savory beef with garlic fried rice and a clear beef broth, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

How long does beef pares take to cook?

• Total Time: Cooking beef pares typically takes 2–2.5 hours, including prep time, simmering the beef until tender, and preparing the garlic rice and broth. Using a pressure cooker can reduce cooking time significantly.

What’s the best beef cut for pares?

• Best Cuts: Brisket and chuck are the most popular cuts for beef pares because of their marbling and ability to become tender with slow cooking. Cuts like short ribs or shank are also excellent options for a richer dish.

Can I make beef pares ahead of time?

• Yes, Absolutely:
  • Prepare in Advance: Cook the beef and sauce a day ahead. The flavors develop further as the dish rests in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

How do I store leftovers?

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover beef pares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • Freeze the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I cook beef pares in a pressure cooker?

• Yes: A pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time. After searing the beef and sautéing aromatics, cook the beef and broth in the pressure cooker for 30–40 minutes at high pressure.

How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

• Alternative Methods:
  • Reduce the sauce over low heat until it thickens naturally.
  • Use potato starch, arrowroot powder, or mashed potatoes for a gluten-free thickener.

Can I make a vegetarian version of beef pares?

• Yes: Substitute the beef with plant-based meat alternatives, mushrooms, or tofu. The key is to replicate the sauce’s sweet-savory flavors with soy sauce, ginger, and star anise.

Conclusion

Beef pares is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that showcases the heart of Filipino cuisine. Its tender, sweet-savory beef, paired with aromatic garlic fried rice and a simple yet satisfying broth, creates a meal that’s as balanced as it is indulgent.

This recipe provides all the steps, tips, and variations you need to make beef pares your own. Whether you stick to the classic pairing or experiment with spicy, garlicky, or healthier versions, beef pares is sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for any meal of the day, beef pares is a dish that brings people together, much like its name suggests—a perfect pair to share. So, gather your ingredients, try this recipe, and savor every bite of this Filipino classic!

For more flavorful inspirations, try our Beef Chimichanga Recipe or our hearty Beef Meatball Recipe Without Breadcrumbs. Happy cooking!