Olivia Carter
Are you craving for a delicious and authentic Filipino dish? Look no further! In this article, we will teach you how to cook Kare Kare in a pressure cooker. Kare Kare is a popular Filipino dish made with oxtail and tripe, cooked in a rich peanut sauce, and served with shrimp paste on the side. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Cooking Kare Kare traditionally can be time-consuming, but with a pressure cooker, you can have this mouthwatering dish on your table in no time. The pressure cooker helps to tenderize the meat and infuse the flavors, resulting in a perfectly cooked Kare Kare every time. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg oxtail, cut into serving pieces
- 500 grams tripe, cut into serving pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons annatto seeds (atsuete)
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 6 cups water
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 1 bundle pechay or bok choy, ends trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can find annatto seeds (atsuete) in Asian grocery stores or you can substitute it with annatto powder if available.
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps to cook Kare Kare in your pressure cooker:
What is Kare Kare
Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino stew that is known for its rich and savory peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served during special occasions and gatherings. This hearty stew is usually made with oxtail, tripe, and various vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, and string beans.
The key ingredient that gives Kare Kare its distinct flavor is the ground roasted peanuts. These peanuts are pounded into a paste and cooked with annatto oil to create a thick and creamy sauce. Other ingredients that are commonly used to enhance the flavor of the dish include shrimp paste, garlic, onions, and fish sauce.
Kare Kare is usually served with steamed rice and bagoong, which is a fermented shrimp paste. The combination of the nutty sauce, tender meat, and crunchy vegetables makes it a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
Variations of Kare Kare
While oxtail is the traditional choice of meat for Kare Kare, there are several variations of this dish that use different types of protein. Some popular alternatives include beef, pork, chicken, and even seafood such as shrimp and squid. These variations offer different flavors and textures but still retain the signature peanut sauce that defines Kare Kare.
Regional Differences
Kare Kare originated from the Pampanga region in the Philippines and is often associated with their cuisine. However, it has become a beloved dish nationwide and can be found in various regional variations. Each region puts its own twist on the dish by using different spices and ingredients that are native to their area, creating unique flavors and presentations.
Overall, Kare Kare is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the country. Whether you prefer the traditional oxtail version or want to experiment with different proteins, Kare Kare is a must-try dish that will surely leave you wanting more.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking Kare Kare in a pressure cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork or beef: Choose a tender cut of meat, such as pork shoulder or beef chuck, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Oxtail: This flavorful and fatty cut of meat is traditional in Kare Kare, but you can omit it if you prefer.
- Vegetables: You’ll need eggplant, pechay (bok choy), and string beans. Cut the eggplant into slices or cubes, and trim the ends of the string beans.
- Peanut butter: Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy and nutty flavor.
- Annatto powder: This gives the Kare Kare its distinct orange color. You can find annatto powder in Asian or Filipino grocery stores.
- Onion and garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Beef broth: You can use store-bought beef broth or make your own by boiling beef bones.
- Fish sauce: This adds savory umami flavor to the Kare Kare. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Salt and pepper: Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you’re ready to move on to the next step: cooking Kare Kare in a pressure cooker.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
In order to cook Kare Kare in a pressure cooker, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
1. Meat: Choose your preferred meat for the dish. Traditionally, Kare Kare is made with oxtail, tripe, and beef shank.
2. Vegetables: Kare Kare typically includes a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, bok choy, yardlong beans, and pechay.
3. Kare Kare mix: You will need a package of Kare Kare mix, which is a combination of ground peanuts and rice.
4. Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients are essential for adding flavor to the dish.
5. Peanut butter: Some recipes call for the use of peanut butter in addition to or instead of Kare Kare mix.
6. Cooking oil: Any type of cooking oil can be used, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
7. Salt and pepper: Seasonings are important for enhancing the taste of the dish.
8. Water or broth: You will need liquid to create steam and cook the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you will be ready to begin the process of cooking Kare Kare in a pressure cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Kare Kare in Pressure Cooker
Once you have all the ingredients prepared and ready, it’s time to cook the Kare Kare in a pressure cooker. The pressure cooker will help to tenderize the meat and vegetables quickly, resulting in a delicious and flavorful dish.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook Kare Kare in a pressure cooker:
1. Add the Meat and Water
Place the beef or oxtail pieces in the pressure cooker and add enough water to cover the meat. The water will help to create the broth for the Kare Kare. Close the lid securely.
2. Cook the Meat
Set the pressure cooker to high heat and let it come to pressure. Once the pressure has built up, cook the meat for about 25-30 minutes. This will depend on the type of meat and the size of the pieces. Cooking times may vary, so refer to the specific instructions for your pressure cooker.
3. Release the Pressure
After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully release the pressure from the cooker following the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to wait until the pressure has fully released before opening the lid to avoid any potential accidents.
4. Add the Vegetables and Peanut Sauce
Add the chopped vegetables, such as eggplant, sitaw (string beans), and pechay (bok choy), into the pressure cooker with the cooked meat. Next, pour in the prepared peanut sauce and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cook Again
Close the pressure cooker lid securely and set the cooker to high heat again. Let it come to pressure and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Release the Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking time has elapsed, release the pressure from the cooker following the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully open the lid and stir the Kare Kare to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Transfer the Kare Kare to a serving dish and serve hot with steamed rice and bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Enjoy this delicious Filipino dish!
Pressure Cook the Kare Kare
Once all the ingredients have been prepared, it’s time to start pressure cooking the Kare Kare. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish:
Step 1: Add the Meat and Water
Place the beef tripe, beef shanks, and oxtail in the pressure cooker. Make sure the meat is evenly distributed in the pot. Add enough water to cover the meat completely. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Meat
Close the pressure cooker lid securely and set the cooking time to 45 minutes at high pressure. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to the sealed position. This will create the necessary pressure for the meat to cook properly.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Peanut Sauce
While the meat is pressure cooking, prepare the vegetables by blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them slightly. Drain and set aside. Also, prepare the peanut sauce by sautéing garlic and onions in oil until fragrant, then adding the peanut butter, water, and annatto powder. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 4: Release the Pressure and Add Vegetables
Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure using the quick-release method. Carefully open the lid and add the blanched vegetables to the pressure cooker. Stir well to combine with the meat. Close the lid again and pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes at high pressure to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
After the second round of pressure cooking, release the pressure and open the lid. Remove the meat and vegetables from the pressure cooker and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add it to the peanut sauce in the pressure cooker. Stir well and return to high heat to thicken the sauce. This will give the Kare Kare a rich and creamy consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Kare Kare to a serving dish and garnish with roasted peanuts and bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Filipino dish!
| Ingredients: |
|---|
| – Beef tripe |
| – Beef shanks |
| – Oxtail |
| – Water |
| – Vegetables (pechay or bok choy, eggplant, string beans) |
| – Garlic |
| – Onions |
| – Oil |
| – Peanut butter |
| – Annatto powder |
| – Cornstarch |
| – Water |
| – Roasted peanuts (for garnish) |
| – Bagoong (shrimp paste, for serving) |
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Kare Kare is fully cooked and tender, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Filipino dish. Follow these steps to properly serve your Kare Kare:
1. Prepare Serving Plates
Get your serving plates ready by arranging them on the table. You can use individual plates for each person or a large serving platter for family-style dining.
2. Ladle the Kare Kare into the Plates
Using a ladle, carefully scoop the Kare Kare from the pressure cooker and transfer it to the serving plates. Make sure to include a generous amount of the meat, vegetables, and sauce.
3. Serve with Bagoong
In the Philippines, Kare Kare is traditionally served with a side of bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. Place a small bowl of bagoong on the table for each person to add to their Kare Kare according to their preference.
4. Garnish and Presentation
Garnish your Kare Kare with some toasted ground rice or crushed peanuts for a nice texture and added flavor. You can also add some chopped spring onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.
5. Enjoy Your Meal!
Now that everything is set, it’s time to enjoy your homemade Kare Kare! Serve it hot with steamed rice and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors, the tender meat, and the creamy peanut sauce.
This mouthwatering dish will surely satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share this recipe with them and spread the love for Kare Kare!
FAQ
What is Kare Kare?
Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino dish made with oxtail and/or tripe, vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce.
Can I use a regular pot instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook Kare Kare in a regular pot. Just make sure to cook the meat until it is tender and the sauce thickens.
What vegetables can I use in Kare Kare?
Common vegetables used in Kare Kare are eggplant, green beans, bok choy, and banana blossoms. You can also add other vegetables that you like.
How long does it take to cook Kare Kare in a pressure cooker?
Typically, it takes about 30 minutes to cook Kare Kare in a pressure cooker. This may vary depending on the size of the oxtail and the desired tenderness of the meat.
