Cooking the Perfect Pares: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pares, a popular Filipino dish, is a staple in many households and restaurants. It consists of braised beef, usually brisket or shank, cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. In this article, we will explore the history of pares, its cultural significance, and most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect pares.

A Brief History of Pares

Pares, which literally means “pair” in Filipino, is a dish that originated in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The name “pares” refers to the traditional pairing of braised beef with a bowl of garlic fried rice. The dish was popularized by Chinese immigrants who came to the Philippines and adapted their own braising techniques to local ingredients.

Over time, pares has become a staple in Filipino cuisine, with various regional variations and interpretations. In Manila, pares is often served with a side of garlic fried rice and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers. In other regions, pares is served with steamed rice or noodles.

The Cultural Significance of Pares

Pares holds a special place in Filipino culture, particularly in the context of social gatherings and celebrations. In many Filipino households, pares is a staple dish during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. The dish is often served in large quantities, and its aroma and flavor are synonymous with warmth, hospitality, and community.

In addition to its cultural significance, pares is also a comfort food that evokes nostalgia and sentimentality. For many Filipinos, the smell of braising beef and spices is a reminder of childhood memories and family traditions.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

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

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram beef brisket or shank, cut into large chunks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Preparing the Ingredients

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

• Cut the beef into large chunks and season with salt and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the seasonings.
• Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set aside.
• Measure the soy sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil. Set aside.
• Cut the green onions and set aside for garnish.

Cooking the Pares

Now that we have prepared the ingredients, it’s time to cook the pares. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect pares:

Browning the Beef

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

Sauteing the Aromatics

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the soy sauce, sugar, and beef broth. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Braising the Beef

• Add the browned beef back to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
• After 2 hours, add the cornstarch and stir until the sauce thickens.

Seasoning and Serving

• Season the pares with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Serve the pares with steamed rice or garlic fried rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sliced chili peppers.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you improve your pares game:

• Use a slow cooker: If you don’t have time to monitor the pares while it’s cooking, you can use a slow cooker to braise the beef. Simply brown the beef and cook the aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients to the pares to give it more flavor and texture. Some options include potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
• Use different types of beef: While beef brisket or shank is traditional, you can also use other types of beef such as beef belly or beef ribs.

Conclusion

Cooking the perfect pares requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Filipino dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, pares is a dish that’s worth trying. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the rich flavors and cultural significance of this beloved Filipino dish.

1. Brown the beef chunks in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Saute the aromatics, including garlic and ginger, in the same pot until fragrant.

What is Pares and why is it a popular Filipino dish?

Pares is a popular Filipino braised beef noodle soup dish that originated in the Philippines. It is a comforting and flavorful meal that consists of tender beef, served with a rich and savory broth, and steaming hot noodles. The dish is often served with a variety of toppings, such as garlic, onions, and chili peppers, which add to its flavor and texture.

Pares is a beloved dish in the Philippines because of its rich flavor profile and comforting nature. The slow-cooked beef is tender and falls apart easily, while the broth is rich and savory, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day. Additionally, the dish is often served with a variety of toppings, which allows each person to customize their meal to their liking.

What are the essential ingredients needed to cook Pares?

The essential ingredients needed to cook Pares include beef brisket or beef shank, onions, garlic, ginger, star anise, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth. These ingredients provide the foundation for the rich and savory flavor of the dish. Additionally, noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles are also needed to complete the meal.

Other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor of the dish include chili peppers, black pepper, and green onions. These ingredients can be added to taste, and can help to customize the flavor of the dish to individual preferences. It’s also worth noting that some recipes may call for additional ingredients, such as sugar or vinegar, to balance out the flavors.

How do I prepare the beef for cooking Pares?

To prepare the beef for cooking Pares, it’s essential to slice the beef into thin strips and then marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the beef and add flavor to the dish. After marinating, the beef should be browned in a pan to create a rich and caramelized crust on the outside.

Once the beef is browned, it should be set aside and then added to the pot with the aromatics and broth. The beef should be cooked low and slow, allowing it to become tender and fall apart easily. This process can take several hours, but the end result is well worth the wait.

What is the best type of noodle to use for Pares?

The best type of noodle to use for Pares is a matter of personal preference, but rice noodles or egg noodles are the most traditional options. Rice noodles are light and delicate, and help to soak up the flavorful broth of the dish. Egg noodles, on the other hand, are slightly chewier and provide a nice texture contrast to the tender beef.

Both types of noodles can be used interchangeably, and some recipes may even call for a combination of both. It’s worth noting that other types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles, can also be used, but they may change the flavor and texture of the dish slightly.

How do I achieve a rich and savory broth for my Pares?

To achieve a rich and savory broth for Pares, it’s essential to use a combination of beef broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. These ingredients provide a deep and umami flavor to the broth, which is enhanced by the slow-cooked beef and aromatics. Additionally, the broth should be simmered for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor of the broth include ginger, garlic, and star anise. These ingredients can be added to the pot during the simmering process, and can help to add depth and complexity to the broth. It’s also worth noting that some recipes may call for additional ingredients, such as sugar or vinegar, to balance out the flavors.

Can I cook Pares in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, Pares can be cooked in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, which can help to simplify the cooking process and reduce the cooking time. To cook Pares in a slow cooker, simply brown the beef and cook the aromatics in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and noodles. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the noodles are cooked through.

To cook Pares in an Instant Pot, brown the beef and cook the aromatics in the pot, then add the broth and noodles. Cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the noodles are cooked through. Both methods can produce delicious results, but the slow cooker method may result in a more tender and fall-apart beef.

How do I serve and customize my Pares?

Pares is typically served hot, with the beef and noodles in a bowl and the broth ladled over the top. The dish can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as garlic, onions, and chili peppers, which can be added to taste. Other toppings, such as green onions and bean sprouts, can also be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

To take the dish to the next level, some people like to add a fried egg or a sprinkle of toasted garlic on top. Others may prefer to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of fish sauce to enhance the flavor. The beauty of Pares is that it can be customized to individual tastes, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations.