Pork Belly in Peanut Sauce or Filipino Kare Kare

Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Kare Kare, a beloved Filipino stew recipe featuring succulent pork belly and a delectable peanut sauce. Hailing from the Philippines, Kare Kare is a popular dish known for its ease of preparation and its perfect pairing with steamed rice, complemented by the savory delight of shrimp paste.

What is kare kare?

Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino stew celebrated for its simplicity. The key ingredients include ground peanuts and a hint of fish sauce, creating a humble yet delightful flavor profile. However, the true magic of Kare Kare emerges when it is served with shrimp paste, enhancing its overall taste.

Meat Variations and an Abundance of Vegetables:

While oxtail is the most renowned choice of meat for Kare Kare, you can also opt for beef chunks, chicken, or seafood like prawns, mussels, or squid. The addition of a variety of vegetables, such as eggplants, cabbage, bok choy, green beans, and radishes, adds both color and texture to this comforting dish.

Enhancing the Visual Appeal with Annato Seeds:

To infuse a captivating color into your Kare Kare, consider using annato seeds or powder. While this is optional, it elevates the visual appeal of the dish. You can easily find annato seeds or powder at any Asian supermarket.

The Peanut Paste/Butter Secret:

The cornerstone of Kare Kare is the peanut paste or butter. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred brand of peanut paste or butter, ensuring that it complements perfectly with your recipe.

                                                

How to cook pork belly in peanut sauce or Kare Kare

Ingredients to make kare kare

- 1 kg pork belly (boiled and cut into 2-inch pieces)

- 250g eggplants (sliced) or 3 medium-sized eggplants

- 2 bundles of bok choy (washed)

- 200g long beans or green beans (cut into 3-inch lengths)

- 1 cup smooth peanut paste

- 2 cups pork stock

- 1-2 tbsp fish sauce

- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)

- 1 medium-sized onion (sliced)

- 3 tbsp oil

Instructions to cook kare kare

1. Begin by boiling the sliced pork belly in a large pot, covering it with water and adding 1 teaspoon of salt. Simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until the meat becomes tender. Remove the meat from the pot and reserve the stock for the sauce.

 2. Maintain the pork stock on the stove and add each batch of vegetables, quickly cooking them for about 2-3 minutes. Set the blanched vegetables aside, reserving the stock for the sauce.

 3. In a large wok, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become softened. Then, add the pork stock and peanut paste, stirring until well combined.

 4. Incorporate the boiled pork belly and fish sauce into the mixture, letting it simmer for 5-6 minutes to develop rich flavors.

 5. Serve your savory Pork Belly in Peanut Sauce (Kare Kare) alongside the blanched vegetables and steamed rice or garlic rice.

Elevate your culinary journey with Pork Belly in Peanut Sauce (Kare Kare), a flavorful Filipino masterpiece that captures the essence of comfort food. With its combination of tender pork belly, creamy peanut sauce, and a medley of blanched vegetables, this dish is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Filipino cuisine. Pair it with steamed rice and shrimp paste to experience the full variety of flavors, making every bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.