Beef pares, a popular Filipino dish, is a staple in many households and restaurants. This mouth-watering meal consists of tender beef, served with a flavorful sauce and a side of garlic fried rice. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cook beef pares, accompanied by a video tutorial to help you master this dish.
Understanding the Basics of Beef Pares
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the components of beef pares. The dish typically consists of three main elements:
- Braised beef, cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices
- A savory sauce, made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices
- Garlic fried rice, cooked to perfection with a hint of garlic and oil
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to cooking beef pares, the right cut of beef is crucial. You’ll want to choose a cut that’s tender and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Some popular cuts of beef for pares include:
- Beef brisket
- Beef shank
- Beef belly
These cuts are ideal for slow-cooking, which helps to break down the connective tissues and result in tender, fall-apart beef.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 kg beef brisket or beef shank, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic fried rice ingredients (see below)
For the garlic fried rice, you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinating the Beef
In a large bowl, combine the beef pieces, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking the Beef
After marinating the beef, it’s time to cook it. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Brown the beef on all sides, then add the beef broth, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Preparing the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix well to combine, then set aside.
Assembling the Dish
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. Slice the beef into thin strips, then place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the sauce over the beef, then serve with garlic fried rice.
Cooking Garlic Fried Rice
To cook garlic fried rice, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups of cooked rice to the skillet or wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s heated through and starting to brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video Tutorial
Watch our video tutorial below to see how to cook beef pares:
[Insert video tutorial]
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you improve your beef pares game:
- Use a slow cooker: If you don’t have time to monitor the beef while it’s cooking, consider using a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery are all great additions to beef pares. Simply chop them up and add them to the pot with the beef.
- Use different cuts of beef: While beef brisket and beef shank are popular cuts for pares, you can also use beef belly or beef ribs.
- Experiment with spices: Beef pares is a versatile dish that can be seasoned with a variety of spices. Try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander to give the dish a unique flavor.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and authentic beef pares dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
Cooking beef pares is a straightforward process that requires some patience and attention to detail. By following our step-by-step guide and video tutorial, you can create a delicious and authentic Filipino dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the dish your own, and don’t be afraid to try new variations. Happy cooking!
What is Beef Pares and where did it originate?
Beef Pares is a popular Filipino dish that consists of braised beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, served with garlic fried rice. The dish is believed to have originated from the Chinese community in the Philippines, where it was adapted and modified to suit local tastes.
The name “Pares” is derived from the Chinese term “pares,” which means “pair” or “partner.” In this context, the dish is paired with garlic fried rice, which is an essential component of the meal. Beef Pares is a beloved comfort food in the Philippines, and its popularity has spread to other countries with Filipino communities.
What are the ingredients needed to cook Beef Pares?
To cook Beef Pares, you will need a few essential ingredients, including beef brisket or beef shank, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and star anise. You will also need vegetable oil, onions, and garlic for the garlic fried rice. Additionally, you may want to add other ingredients such as bay leaves, black pepper, and salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.
It’s worth noting that the quality of the ingredients can affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. For example, using high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce can make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Similarly, using fresh garlic and ginger can add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the dish.
How do I prepare the beef for cooking?
To prepare the beef for cooking, you will need to slice it into thin strips and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and spices. The marinating process helps to tenderize the beef and add flavor to the dish. You can marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more intense flavor.
After marinating the beef, you will need to cook it in a pot of boiling water or broth until it is tender. You can also use a pressure cooker to cook the beef more quickly. Once the beef is cooked, you can slice it into smaller pieces and set it aside for later use.
How do I make the garlic fried rice?
To make the garlic fried rice, you will need to heat some vegetable oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until it is fragrant. Then, you can add cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry it with the garlic and oil until it is well combined. You can also add other ingredients such as scrambled eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the rice.
The key to making good garlic fried rice is to use day-old rice, which is drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. You should also use a high heat to stir-fry the rice quickly and evenly, which helps to prevent it from becoming mushy or sticky.
Can I cook Beef Pares in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook Beef Pares in a slow cooker. In fact, a slow cooker is an ideal cooking vessel for this dish, as it allows the beef to cook slowly and evenly in the sauce. To cook Beef Pares in a slow cooker, you can simply brown the beef and cook the sauce in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Using a slow cooker can make the cooking process easier and more convenient, as you can simply set it and forget it. However, you should note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of your slow cooker, so be sure to check the beef periodically to ensure that it is cooked to your liking.
How do I serve Beef Pares?
Beef Pares is typically served with garlic fried rice, which is an essential component of the meal. You can serve the beef on top of the rice, or alongside it. You can also add other ingredients such as steamed vegetables, fried eggs, or pickled ginger to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
When serving Beef Pares, be sure to spoon some of the sauce over the beef and rice, as this helps to bring all the flavors together. You can also garnish the dish with green onions, garlic, or sesame seeds to add a pop of color and freshness.
Can I store leftover Beef Pares in the refrigerator or freezer?
Yes, you can store leftover Beef Pares in the refrigerator or freezer. In fact, the dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate or freeze the dish, simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
When reheating leftover Beef Pares, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the dish in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference.