This classic Filipino Kara Kare recipe is one you'd find throughout the Philippines! Kare Kare is a true celebration of nutty, savory and deeply satisfying flavors. With tender meat, hearty veggies, and a smooth peanut sauce, it feels comforting and homey!
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Optional Ingredients
This recipe is one I've enjoyed around my families table in the Philippines. Although there's many variations of it, one thing that never changes is the creamy peanut sauce. What you will see change from household to household is a couple secret ingredients.
Typically, you'll see tripe (cow stomach lining) added to the dish. Because it needs a slow cook time, it's added in the beginning so it can soak up all the flavors of the stew.
A second ingredient I saw a lot of is bagoong, or a shrimp paste. This brings in a deep umami flavor to the beef stew with a bit of extra saltiness. Note: It's served as a topping not part of the stew. So use as much or as little as you'd like!
Ingredients
To make your Slow Cooker Kari Kari, here's what you'll need:
- Beef Chuck Roast - You also may see this made with Oxtail. If choosing that, cook it the same way. Using Beef is best for the traditional flavor of Kare Kare.
- Seasonings - Onion Powder, Salt and Pepper
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Fish Sauce
- Peanut Butter
- Ground Uncooked Rice - This is added to thicken the dish. Very easy to do yourself!
- Chinese Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Bok Choy - I used baby bok choy for this recipe
- Annote Powder - Can also use achiote paste if that's all you can find
- Ssamjang - A paste that brings an umami flavor that has some heat and sweetness with a bit garlic notes.
- Chopped Peanuts - Optional topping
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Toast rice on medium low heat in a skillet for about 4 minutes. Then, puree or grind it.
- Step 2: Season roast with salt and pepper. On an oiled skillet on medium-high heat, sear beef for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Step 3: Remove beef from skillet and cut into 2 inch cubes.
- Step 4: Place the following into the slow cooker: Seared beef, chopped onion, garlic cloves, fish sauce, annote powder, ground rice, onion powder, ssamjang and water. Cook on low for 7 hours.
- Step 5: After 7 hours, prep your washed vegetables. Cut your eggplant on a bias. Then cut off the bottom of your baby bok choy, and cut in half.
- Step 6: Remove the meat from the slow cooker. Stir in peanut butter. Then, add green beans, bok choy, eggplant and beef back into the slow cooker. Cook for another hour.
- Step 7: Serve your slow cooker kare kare with rice and top with crushed peanuts.
Pro Tip: Cook times may vary based on your crockpot. The longer the flavors simmer together the better, but you don't want to overcook your veggies! Green beans should still have a slight crunch and not be mushy.
Equipment and Supplies
- 8 Quart Crock Pot - With an 8 qt Slow Cooker you don't have to worry about running out of room ever again! The removable stoneware is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
- Mortar and Pestle Set - Great for grinding rice for this recipe! I also use mine for gaucamole, salsas, pesto and crushing herbs.
- SSamjang - Perfect addition for rice, noodles and stews like this one. It's spicy, sweet, garlicky and flavorful!
- Flint and Flame Knives - These are my everyday knives that I love! Use code ChefTim40 for 40% off your set.
Storage
Allow the leftover slow cooker Kare Kare to cool before storing in an airtight container. Good for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a pot, covered on medium low heat until warm throughout.
To freeze, portion out the stew and place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in your pot.
Additions
- Meat Options:
- Using Oxtail or Tripe is an alternative you'll see more than any other meat. But in some households, they use whatever they have on hand. I've seen pork hock, goat and even lamb versions of this recipe. Just remember to cook it low and slow!
- Additional Vegetables:
- Okra makes a great addition to this stew! It soaks up great flavor and still holds a crunch texture.
More From the Slow Cooker
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Slow Cooker Beef Tacos
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Slow Cooker Filipino Kare Kare
Equipment
- Skillet
- Grinder or Food Processor for grinding rice
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast or Oxtail
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil for searing beef
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- ⅓ Cup Uncooked Rice toasted and ground
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 2 teaspoon Annote Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoon Ssamjang
- 5 Cups Water
- 1 Chinese Eggplant cut on a bias
- 12 oz Green Beans
- 4 Baby Boy Choy or 1 large
- ¾ Cup Peanut Butter
- 1 Cup Peanuts chopped
- 4 Cup Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Toast rice on medium low heat in a skillet for about 4 minutes. Then, puree or grind it.
- Season roast with salt and pepper. On an oiled skillet on medium-high heat, sear beef for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove beef from skillet and cut into 2 inch cubes.
- Place the following into the slow cooker: Seared beef, chopped onion, garlic cloves, fish sauce, annote powder, ground rice, onion powder, ssamjang and water. Cook on low for 7 hours.
- After 7 hours, prep your washed vegetables. Cut your eggplant on a bias. Then cut off the bottom of your baby bok choy, and cut in half.
- Remove the meat from the slow cooker. Stir in peanut butter. Then, add green beans, bok choy, eggplant and beef back into the slow cooker. Cook for another hour. (Tip: cook rice if needed for serving)
- Serve with rice and top with crushed peanuts.
Casey L says
This was so easy to put together! And that peanut sauce was perfection!
CookitwithTim says
Thanks Casey! Easy and delicious is always a win in this house!
Patrick Casey says
I don't eat many stews, but I was told how delicious this was and it lived up to the hype! I was surprised was filling it was and the combination of flavors was unbelievable. Don't miss out on this dish.
CookitwithTim says
Certified Stew-Worthy! Thanks for the feedback Patrick!
Mary says
The recipe was so easy and delicious!
CookitwithTim says
A whole Stew-nado of greatness! Glad you loved it Mary!
Michael Lacienski says
I love korean dishes and this one did not let me down. The flavors were wonderful, and it was amazingly easy to prepare, thanks to the well put together recipe and instructions . keep up the good work!
Bree says
I love a good stew during the cold months! I have heard so much about this I have got to try it!
CookitwithTim says
You should try the Jamaican Oxtail recipe too then! Both are amazing!