Cooking the Perfect Kare Kare Oxtail and Tripe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kare kare is a popular Filipino stew made with ox tripe, vegetables, and ground rice. It’s a dish that’s rich in flavor and history, and its unique blend of ingredients and spices has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of kare kare, its cultural significance, and most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect kare kare oxtail and tripe.

A Brief History of Kare Kare

Kare kare is a dish that originated in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Pampanga, which is known for its rich culinary heritage. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the country’s Malay and Spanish colonizers, who introduced their own cooking techniques and ingredients to the region. Over time, kare kare evolved into a unique and flavorful stew that’s distinctly Filipino.

The Cultural Significance of Kare Kare

Kare kare is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of Filipino culture and tradition. It’s often served during special occasions such as fiestas, weddings, and holidays, and its preparation is usually a communal effort. The dish is also a reflection of the country’s resourcefulness and frugality, as it’s made with ingredients that are readily available and affordable.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment needed to make kare kare oxtail and tripe.

As for the equipment needed, you’ll require a large pot, a blender or food processor, a strainer, and a cooking utensil such as a spoon or ladle.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before cooking the kare kare, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Cleaning the Oxtail and Tripe

The oxtail and tripe need to be cleaned thoroughly before cooking. Rinse them under running water, then soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the oxtail and tripe again under running water.

Boiling the Oxtail and Tripe

Place the oxtail and tripe in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the oxtail and tripe are tender.

Preparing the Ground Rice

The ground rice is a crucial ingredient in kare kare, as it thickens the stew and adds texture. To prepare the ground rice, simply grind 1 cup of uncooked rice in a blender or food processor until it becomes a fine powder.

Preparing the Vegetables

The vegetables need to be chopped and sliced before adding them to the stew. Chop the onion, garlic, and eggplant into small pieces, and slice the string beans and bok choy into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking the Kare Kare

Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to cook the kare kare. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Sauteing the Onion and Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Adding the Bagoong and Patience

Add 2 tablespoons of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and 1 tablespoon of patience (fish sauce) to the pot. Stir well to combine, then sauté for another minute.

Adding the Oxtail and Tripe

Add the boiled oxtail and tripe to the pot, then stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, bagoong, and patience.

Adding the Ground Rice

Add 1 cup of ground rice to the pot, then stir well to combine with the oxtail, tripe, onion, garlic, bagoong, and patience.

Adding the Vegetables

Add the chopped eggplant, sliced string beans, and sliced bok choy to the pot. Stir well to combine, then add enough water to cover the ingredients.

Simmering the Kare Kare

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.

Seasoning the Kare Kare

Season the kare kare with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Serving the Kare Kare

The kare kare is now ready to be served. Here are some tips on how to serve it:

Serving with Steamed Rice

Serve the kare kare with steamed rice, as it’s traditionally done in the Philippines.

Serving with Bagoong and Patience

Serve the kare kare with bagoong and patience on the side, as they add flavor and texture to the dish.

Serving with Vegetables

Serve the kare kare with additional vegetables, such as steamed vegetables or a salad, to add fiber and nutrients to the meal.

In conclusion, cooking kare kare oxtail and tripe is a labor of love that requires patience, dedication, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Filipino stew that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

What is Kare Kare and where did it originate?

Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino stew made with ox tripe, vegetables, and ground rice. It is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served on special occasions. The dish is believed to have originated from the Pampanga region, where it is still widely enjoyed today.

The name “Kare Kare” is derived from the Pampanga word “kari,” which means “peanut sauce.” The dish is characterized by its rich and creamy peanut sauce, which is made with ground peanuts, rice flour, and spices. The sauce is simmered with the ox tripe and vegetables to create a flavorful and aromatic stew.

What are the main ingredients needed to cook Kare Kare?

The main ingredients needed to cook Kare Kare include ox tripe, oxtail, vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, and string beans, ground peanuts, rice flour, and spices. Other ingredients such as garlic, onion, ginger, and fish sauce are also used to add flavor to the dish.

It’s also important to note that the quality of the ingredients can affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. Fresh and tender ox tripe and oxtail are essential for a delicious Kare Kare. The vegetables should also be fresh and of good quality to add texture and flavor to the dish.

How do I prepare the ox tripe and oxtail for cooking?

To prepare the ox tripe and oxtail for cooking, they need to be cleaned and washed thoroughly. The ox tripe should be cut into bite-sized pieces and soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to remove any impurities. The oxtail should be cut into smaller pieces and washed under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

After cleaning and washing, the ox tripe and oxtail should be boiled in water until they are tender. This process can take several hours, depending on the toughness of the meat. Once they are tender, they can be drained and set aside to be used in the Kare Kare recipe.

What is the role of ground peanuts in Kare Kare?

Ground peanuts play a crucial role in Kare Kare as they are used to make the peanut sauce that gives the dish its distinctive flavor and texture. The peanuts are ground into a fine paste and mixed with rice flour and spices to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

The peanut sauce is simmered with the ox tripe and vegetables to create a rich and flavorful stew. The peanuts add a nutty flavor and a smooth texture to the sauce, which complements the tender ox tripe and vegetables perfectly.

Can I use other types of meat instead of ox tripe and oxtail?

While ox tripe and oxtail are the traditional meats used in Kare Kare, other types of meat can be used as substitutes. Pork hocks or beef shank can be used as alternatives to oxtail, while beef or pork tripe can be used instead of ox tripe.

However, it’s worth noting that using other types of meat may alter the flavor and texture of the dish slightly. Ox tripe and oxtail have a unique texture and flavor that is hard to replicate with other meats. If you do decide to use other meats, make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I serve Kare Kare?

Kare Kare is typically served with steamed rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful peanut sauce. The dish can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to add some freshness to the meal.

In the Philippines, Kare Kare is often served at special occasions such as fiestas and celebrations. It’s a popular dish that is loved by many, and its rich and flavorful sauce makes it a perfect comfort food.

Can I make Kare Kare ahead of time?

Yes, Kare Kare can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the ox tripe and oxtail a day before serving. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of the sauce and become tender.

The peanut sauce can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. However, it’s best to assemble and simmer the Kare Kare just before serving to ensure that the flavors are fresh and the sauce is hot and bubbly.