If you’re craving something deeply comforting with a burst of aromatic spices, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe. This classic Filipino stew marries tender beef brisket with a rich, soul-warming broth that’s infused with star anise, ginger, and toasted garlic, creating a harmony of flavors that is both bold and inviting. Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic notes that make it irresistibly satisfying, whether for a family dinner or a heartwarming feast with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a starring role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From the tender beef that melts in your mouth to the fragrant spices that infuse the broth, every component is key to bringing this recipe to life.
- 2 pounds beef brisket/cubes/shank: Use brisket for a richer, more succulent flavor that stands up well to slow cooking.
- 8-10 cups water: Opt for low-sodium broth if you want an even deeper savory base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered: Adds natural sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorn: Infuses the broth with a delicate, warming aroma.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds a punch of umami for authentic Filipino depth.
- Salt to taste: Season gradually to enhance but not overpower flavors.
- 2 tablespoons toasted garlic: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that’s simply addictive.
- ½ cup chopped spring onions: Provides a fresh pop of color and mild bite.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil: Perfect for sautéing and letting aromatics bloom.
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely: Builds a flavorful, savory base for the stew.
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, julienned: Adds a bright, zesty kick that complements the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely: Gives a deep savory undertone to the dish.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Enriches the broth with salty sweetness and color.
- 3-4 star anise pieces: Impart a subtle licorice note that makes the flavor truly special.
- ¼ teaspoon five-spice powder: Adds warm, complex spice layering.
- 3 bay leaves: Infuse herbaceous, fragrant notes throughout the broth.
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory flavors with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in ½ cup water: Thickens the broth to a luxurious consistency.
- Spring onions for garnish: Enhances presentation and adds fresh crunch.
How to Make Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Beef
Start by soaking the beef in cold tap water for 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step draws out excess blood, helping create a cleaner, lighter broth that lets the spices shine through rather than being muddy. Once done, rinse the beef well and set it aside to prepare for the broth.
Step 2: Boil the Broth
Bring 8 to 10 cups of water to a boil, then add the soaked beef along with the quartered onion, whole peppercorn, and fish sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, letting the mixture simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer cooks the meat until it’s fork-tender and infuses the broth with incredible depth and savory aromas.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat
Once tender, remove the beef from the broth and cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using beef shank with bones, simply return the bones to the broth and simmer a little longer to extract even more richness and gelatinous goodness that creates the stew’s beloved mouthfeel.
Step 4: Season the Broth
Season your broth with salt gradually, tasting as you go to perfectly balance the flavors. Stir in the toasted garlic and chopped spring onions, elevating the broth with savory richness and a fresh burst of vibrant green.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
In a separate pot, heat your oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and julienned ginger, sautéing them until tender and wonderfully fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a savory, aromatic foundation that will caramelize slightly, lending more complexity to your stew.
Step 6: Add the Beef and Spices
Mix the cubed beef into the aromatic sauté and cook until the edges begin to brown. This browning adds extra flavor and texture to the stew. Next, pour in the soy sauce and toss in the star anise, five-spice powder, bay leaves, brown sugar, and ground black pepper. Stir to coat the meat thoroughly with all those fragrant spices and seasonings.
Step 7: Simmer Away
Pour in 2 cups of the seasoned broth along with your cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry perfectly into a silky, aromatic sauce that clings lovingly to each bite of tender beef.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe into bowls, topping each serving with extra toasted garlic and chopped spring onions for a wonderful crunch and fresh aroma. Serve alongside fried garlic rice for a truly unforgettable meal experience.
How to Serve Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe
Garnishes
A key to elevating this dish lies in its garnishes. Generous spoonfuls of roasted or toasted garlic add irresistible crunch and intense flavor, while freshly chopped spring onions bring bright color and a mild oniony sharpness that balances the richness of the stew perfectly.
Side Dishes
This savory beef pares shines when paired with classic Filipino garlic fried rice, which soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully. You can also serve it with simple steamed jasmine rice or even a fresh cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this stew in a deep clay pot to keep it warm and cozy at the table. Turn it into a hearty beef pares bowl by adding a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried tofu for textural contrast. Garnishing with fried shallots or a squeeze of calamansi juice can also add exciting flavor variations that surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savory Beef Pares can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than the fresh batch.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well. Transfer the cooled beef pares into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep deliciously for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Gently reheat your beef pares on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the broth has thickened too much, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving for long at once to keep the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Savory Beef Pares?
Beef brisket is the top choice for its rich flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. However, beef shank or beef cubes work well too, especially if you prefer a leaner option.
Can I use beef broth instead of water?
Absolutely! Using low-sodium beef broth instead of water will add an even deeper umami flavor to the dish, making your Savory Beef Pares even more flavorful and complex.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version of Savory Beef Pares is savory and aromatic rather than spicy. If you want to add heat, feel free to toss in some fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes during cooking.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The entire process takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the slow simmer needed to tenderize the beef and develop the broth’s rich flavor.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for wonderfully tender and flavorful beef pares.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with intoxicating aromas, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you taste that tender beef swimming in its fragrant, richly spiced broth, you’ll understand why this comforting stew has such a special place in Filipino food culture — and in my heart too!
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Savory Beef Pares: Filipino-style Spiced Beef Stew with Aromatic Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Savory Beef Pares is a flavorful Filipino beef stew made with tender beef brisket simmered in a rich broth infused with aromatic spices, soy sauce, fish sauce, and caramelized garlic. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal, served best with fried garlic rice to complement its deep umami flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 2 pounds beef brisket/cubes/shank (Use brisket for a richer flavor.)
- 8–10 cups water (Opt for low-sodium broth if desired.)
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered (Adds sweetness.)
- 1 tablespoon peppercorn (Whole to infuse aroma.)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (Adds umami.)
- Salt to taste (Season gradually.)
- 2 tablespoons toasted garlic (Adds rich flavor.)
- ½ cup spring onions, chopped (For color.)
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil (Neutral oil for sautéing.)
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely (Adds depth.)
- 1 thumb ginger, julienned (Enhances flavor.)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely (Brings savory depth.)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (Enriches the broth.)
- 3–4 pieces star anise (Adds licorice flavor.)
- ¼ teaspoon five-spice (Adds warmth.)
- 3 pieces bay leaves (Infuses herbaceous notes.)
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (Balances flavors.)
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper (Adds warmth.)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in ½ cup water (For broth consistency.)
Garnish
- Spring onions for garnish (Enhances presentation.)
Instructions
- Soak the Beef: Place the beef in a large bowl with tap water and soak for 10-15 minutes to draw out the blood. Discard the soaking water and rinse the beef well to start with clean meat.
- Boil the Broth: Bring 8-10 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the beef, quartered onion, peppercorn, and fish sauce. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook until the meat becomes fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Prepare the Meat: Remove the meat from the broth and cut it into smaller cubes. If you used beef shank, return the bones to the broth and continue boiling for a few more minutes to reach the desired tenderness.
- Season the Broth: Season the broth with salt to taste. Stir in toasted garlic and chopped spring onions to infuse more flavor and aroma into the broth.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and julienned ginger until they become tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Beef and Spices: Add the cubed beef into the sautéed aromatics. Cook until the edges of the beef turn brown. Pour in soy sauce, then add star anise, five-spice powder, bay leaves, brown sugar, and ground pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the Mixture: Add 2 cups of the prepared broth and the dissolved cornstarch slurry to the pot. Cover and let the stew simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to thicken the broth and blend flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Divide the savory Beef Pares into serving bowls. Top each with roasted garlic and chopped green onions. For the best experience, serve alongside fried garlic rice.
Notes
- You can use beef brisket for a richer flavor or beef shank for a lighter broth.
- Adjust the fish sauce and salt gradually to balance the saltiness.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the broth to a nice gravy consistency.
- Star anise and five-spice powder provide characteristic Filipino stew aromas—do not omit.
- Best served hot with fried garlic rice for a complete meal.
