Filipino Beef pares is a quintessential Filipino comfort food that satisfies the craving for a hearty and flavourful meal. This main dish consists of tender beef slices simmered in a sweet and savoury soy sauce-based broth, served with garlic fried rice (sinangag) and a side of clear beef broth. It has earned its popularity for its rich flavours and affordability. It’s a staple in many local eateries and home kitchens across the Philippines.
The name “pares” is derived from the Filipino slang for “pair,” refering to the combination of the beef and rice. While its exact origins remain unclear, beef pares is believed to have originated from the streets of Manila. It was initially served as a cheap yet satisfying meal for the working class.
To prepare beef pares, thinly sliced beef is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic and spices. The marinated beef is then simmered in the same marinade along with beef broth until it becomes fork-tender. Cooking it this way ensures it’s infused with the delicious flavours of the sauce.
The accompanying garlic fried rice is made by sautéing cooked rice with minced garlic until fragrant and lightly toasted, adding another layer of aroma and flavour to the dish. The clear beef broth served on the side provides a comforting and warming element, perfect for sipping alongside the savoury beef and rice.
Beef pares is often garnished with chopped spring onions or fried garlic flakes for added freshness and texture. Some variations may include the addition of star anise or bay leaves to enhance the aroma of the broth further.
Whether enjoyed as a quick street food fix or a comforting homemade meal, beef pares never fails to delight with its delicious flavours and comforting simplicity. Its popularity blends social classes, bringing together people from all walks of life to enjoy a satisfying and hearty experience.
Filipino Beef Pares
This beef pares recipe offers a comforting and flavourful experience, featuring tender beef simmered in a sweet and savoury sauce, served alongside aromatic garlic fried rice and a comforting clear beef broth.
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Add to CollectionServings: 4 People
Calories: 509kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef brisket or chuck/thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 leaves bay
- salt to taste
- spring onions scallions/garnish/optional
- garlic flakes fried/garnish/optional
Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag):
- 3 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Clear Beef Broth:
- beef broth reserved
Instructions
Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper.1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 6 cloves garlic, 1 tsp black pepper
- Add the thinly sliced beef, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes.1 lb beef
Beef Pares:
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.1 tbsp cooking oil
- Add the marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the beef broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover.4 cups beef broth, 2 leaves bay
- Allow the beef to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until tender.
- Season with salt to taste.salt
Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag):
- In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.1 tbsp cooking oil
- Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.4 cloves garlic
- Add the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry until well-coated and slightly toasted. Set aside.3 cups cooked rice
- Ladle the beef pares into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of broth.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and fried garlic flakes.spring onions, garlic flakes
- Serve with a side of garlic fried rice.
- While the beef is simmering, reserve a portion of the broth for serving.
- Strain the broth to remove any impurities.
- Dive into the rich flavours of beef pares, pairing each bite with the aromatic garlic fried rice and sipping on the comforting clear beef broth.beef broth
Nutrition
Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 29735mg | Potassium: 747mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 4mg
