Beef Pares stands as a beloved dish in the Philippines. Filipinos cherish it for its tender braised beef paired with fried garlic rice and a clear beef broth. The name “pares” means “pair” in Filipino, referring to the perfect combination of beef and rice that makes this meal so satisfying. In this article, we will break down the components of this popular dish, provide a detailed overview of its ingredients, and explore its cultural significance. If you have ever wondered what beef pares are made of, this guide will answer all your questions while offering insights into the dish’s history, taste, and nutritional aspects.
Introduction
Beef pares has gained immense popularity in both street stalls and Filipino households due to its comforting and rich flavors. Known for its unique balance of sweet and savory elements, people commonly serve it as a complete meal consisting of three main parts: braised beef, garlic fried rice, and a light broth. This combination not only satisfies the palate but also provides a hearty and filling meal. Moreover, the dish embodies the essence of Filipino comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create a complex flavor profile.
What Are Beef Pares Made Of?
1. Main Ingredients
The key components include:
- Beef Brisket or Shank: Cooks prefer these cuts of beef for slow cooking and braising, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The connective tissues in these cuts break down during cooking, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- Soy Sauce: Serving as the primary seasoning, soy sauce imparts a salty umami flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: This ingredient adds depth and richness, complementing the soy sauce with its own savory profile.
- Brown Sugar: Balancing the saltiness, brown sugar introduces a touch of sweetness that is characteristic of beef pares.
- Garlic: A must-have aromatic, garlic enhances the overall flavor and adds a fragrant note to the dish.
- Onion: When sautéed, onions contribute a subtle sweetness and help build the flavor foundation.
- Ginger: Providing warmth, ginger enhances the savory flavor and aids in tenderizing the meat.
- Star Anise: A key spice in beef pares, star anise adds a hint of licorice flavor, making the dish stand out with its unique aroma.
- Peppercorns: These add a mild heat and aromatic depth, rounding out the spice profile.
- Beef Broth or Water: Cooks use beef broth or water for braising the beef. The broth helps create the rich sauce that coats the meat, infusing it with additional flavor.
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors that make it an iconic Filipino dish. Together, they create a harmonious blend that is both comforting and intriguing to the palate.
2. The Cooking Method
Cooking beef pares requires patience and attention to detail, as the beef requires time to tenderize and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Here is a basic overview of how these ingredients come together:
- Searing the Beef: Before braising, cooks usually sear the beef in oil to lock in the juices and build flavor. This step caramelizes the surface of the meat, adding depth to the dish.
- Braising: Cooks then slow-cook the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broth, along with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and star anise. This process is crucial for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. The slow cooking allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a tender texture.
- Simmering: As the beef braises, the sauce reduces, becoming thick and flavorful. It coats the meat in a sweet-savory glaze that is characteristic of beef pares.
By following these steps, one can create a dish that is rich in flavor and texture, embodying the essence of Filipino cuisine.
Why Are Beef Brisket or Shank Ideal for Beef Pares?
Many cooks prefer brisket or shank in these recipes due to their toughness and connective tissues. These cuts contain collagen and muscle fibers that, when slow-cooked, break down into gelatin, enriching the sauce and tenderizing the meat. The result is a soft, succulent beef that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. Additionally, the marbling in these cuts adds to the overall richness, making beef brisket or shank ideal for it.
Using these cuts aligns with the traditional practices in Filipino cooking, where nothing goes to waste, and cooks utilize every part of the animal to its fullest potential. This approach not only adds depth to the dish but also reflects the resourcefulness inherent in Filipino culinary traditions.
What Does Taste Like?
Beef pares is famous for its distinct sweet and savory flavor profile. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar gives the dish its balanced taste, with star anise adding an aromatic twist. The beef turns incredibly tender, while the garlic fried rice and clear broth provide a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.
Overall, beef pares offers a delightful mix of:
- Sweetness from the brown sugar, which balances the saltiness and adds depth.
- Saltiness from the soy sauce and oyster sauce, providing the umami base of the dish.
- Rich Umami from the beef and broth, enhancing the savory aspect.
- Aromatic Warmth from the garlic, ginger, and star anise, which elevate the flavor profile.
This complex flavor combination makes beef pares a comforting and popular dish in the Philippines. Moreover, the interplay of these flavors showcases the Filipino palate’s appreciation for dishes that are both hearty and nuanced.
Nutritional Value
Beef pares offers a hearty meal packed with protein and flavor. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of the dish:
- Protein: The beef provides a high level of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. This makes the dish nourishing and satisfying.
- Iron: Rich in iron, beef supports healthy blood circulation and helps prevent anemia.
- Carbohydrates: The garlic fried rice serves as a primary source of carbohydrates, offering energy to fuel the body.
- Fat: While the dish contains some fat from the beef and sauces, you can balance it by using leaner cuts of beef or reducing the amount of oil used for frying the rice.
Though flavorful and filling, it’s important to note that beef pares can be high in sodium due to the soy sauce. Therefore, moderation is key, and making adjustments can enhance its nutritional profile.
Is Beef Pares Healthy?
When you consume beef pares in moderation, it can be a nutritious meal. While it provides essential nutrients such as protein and iron, the dish can be high in sodium and sugar depending on the recipe. To make it healthier, consider the following tips:
- Use Leaner Cuts of Beef: Opting for lean cuts reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Choose Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This helps lower the overall sodium level of the dish, making it a better option for those monitoring their salt intake.
- Reduce Sugar: Adjusting the amount of sugar used in the recipe can decrease the calorie content while still maintaining the sweet-savory balance.
- Add Vegetables: Including a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables adds fiber and essential vitamins, enhancing the meal’s nutritional value.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy beef pares as part of a balanced diet, savoring its rich flavors without compromising your health goals.
Beef Pares vs. Beef Stew: Are They the Same?
Although beef pares and beef stew are both beef-based dishes, they differ significantly in terms of flavor and preparation. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Flavor Profile: Beef stew is usually hearty and savory, with a thicker gravy and often includes herbs like thyme and bay leaves. In contrast, beef pares has a sweet and savory flavor profile, highlighted by the use of soy sauce, brown sugar, and star anise, giving it a unique taste.
- Ingredients: Beef stew typically includes vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, contributing to its hearty nature. Beef pares, on the other hand, focuses on the beef and sauce, served with garlic fried rice and a clear broth rather than being cooked with vegetables.
- Cooking Method: While both dishes involve slow cooking or braising, beef pares leans heavily on soy sauce and aromatics specific to Filipino cuisine. The inclusion of ingredients like star anise sets it apart from the more Western-style beef stew.
In summary, while both are delicious slow-cooked beef dishes, beef pares stands out due to its unique blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that are distinctively Filipino.
Common Variations of Beef Pares
Over the years, many variations of the beef pares recipe have emerged, each adding a unique twist to the traditional dish. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Kanto-Style Beef Pares
This version includes bone marrow, making it richer and more indulgent. The creamy texture of the bone marrow adds depth to the dish, and it’s a favorite in Filipino street food stalls. The addition of bone marrow not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates the dining experience.
2. Instant Pot Beef Pares
For those short on time, cooking beef pares in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a great option. This method cuts the cooking time significantly while still ensuring tender beef and a flavorful sauce. Additionally, it retains more nutrients due to the shorter cooking duration, making it a practical choice for busy individuals.
3. Spicy Beef Pares
You can create a spicier version of beef pares by adding chili peppers or chili garlic oil to the sauce. This variation is popular among those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. The spiciness adds a new dimension to the dish, complementing the sweet and savory notes and appealing to those who prefer bolder flavors.
4. Beef Pares Mami
Combining beef pares with noodles, this variation creates a hearty noodle soup known as beef pares mami. It includes the tender braised beef and broth served over egg noodles, offering a comforting meal especially enjoyed during cooler weather. This fusion showcases the versatility of beef pares and its adaptability to different culinary formats.
Serving Suggestions
People typically serve beef pares with garlic fried rice and a clear beef broth. However, there are many other accompaniments that can enhance the meal:
- Pickled Vegetables (Atsara): A side of atsara, which is pickled papaya, adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. The acidity balances the sweet and savory elements, refreshing the palate.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy provide a healthy addition, adding texture and nutritional value to the meal.
- Fresh Salads: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of beef pares, making the meal more balanced.
- Fried Egg: Topping the garlic fried rice with a sunny-side-up egg adds richness and creates a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
For beverages, calamansi juice or iced tea pairs well with this dish, offering a light and refreshing counterpart to the robust flavors of the beef. Additionally, a cold beer or a glass of red wine can complement the meal for those who prefer alcoholic beverages.
FAQs
What Is Pares Made Of?
Cooks make beef pares from beef brisket or shank, braising it in a sweet and savory sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and star anise. People typically serve it with garlic fried rice and a light beef broth, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Is Beef Pares Healthy?
You can consider beef pares healthy when you eat it in moderation. It is rich in protein and iron, essential nutrients for the body. However, the dish can be high in sodium and sugar depending on the recipe. Using lean beef, low-sodium soy sauce, and reducing sugar can make it a healthier meal option. Adding vegetables to the meal can also enhance its nutritional profile.
What Does Beef Pares Taste Like?
Beef pares has a rich, sweet, and savory flavor. The tender beef absorbs the flavors of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and star anise, while the garlic fried rice and broth add layers of flavor and texture. The combination of sweet and salty notes, along with aromatic spices, creates a complex and satisfying taste experience.
Is Beef Stew and Pares the Same?
No, beef pares and beef stew are not the same. While both are braised beef dishes, beef pares has a distinct sweet and savory flavor profile with soy sauce and star anise, characteristic of Filipino cuisine. Beef stew, typically found in Western cuisine, is heartier with vegetables like carrots and potatoes and has a thicker gravy. The flavor profiles and ingredient lists differ significantly.
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for Pares?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef for pares, such as chuck or short ribs. However, cooks prefer cuts with more connective tissue, like brisket or shank, because they become tender and flavorful when braised. Choosing the right cut enhances the texture and taste of the dish.
How Can I Make Beef Pares Less Salty?
To make beef pares less salty, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of oyster sauce. Additionally, balancing the sauce with more brown sugar or adding more broth can dilute the saltiness. Tasting the sauce as you cook allows you to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
Cooks create beef pares by braising tender beef in a sweet and savory sauce, and they serve it with garlic fried rice and a clear broth. The flavors of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and star anise make it a standout meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic tastes. You can easily make this comforting dish at home with a little patience and the right ingredients, allowing you to experience a true Filipino culinary delight.
Whether you’re trying to master the beef pares recipe or simply curious about what makes this dish so special, the key lies in the careful balance of flavors and the slow cooking process that ensures tender, flavorful beef. By understanding the components and cooking methods, you can recreate this beloved dish and perhaps even add your own twist to it.
So why not give it a try? Dive into the rich flavors of beef pares and enjoy a taste of the Philippines right in your own kitchen. With its comforting warmth and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.