Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce
A rich Filipino stew featuring tender oxtail simmered in a savory peanut sauce with eggplant and string beans, served best with steamed rice. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes blends oxtail pieces, water, peanut butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp roasted ground rice
- 1 large, sliced into 1-inch pieces eggplant
- 1 cup, cut into 2-inch lengths string beans
- 1/2 cup, sliced banana flower (optional)
- 1 medium, quartered onion
- 4, crushed garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp (for color; optional) annatto oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for serving steamed white rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 lbs oxtail pieces with 8 cups water, 1 medium quartered onion, and 4 crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours until the oxtail is very tender.
- Step 2: Skim off any impurities from the surface. Remove the oxtail pieces and set aside, reserving the broth.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup peanut butter and 3 tbsp roasted ground rice with about 2 cups of the reserved broth until smooth.
- Step 4: Return the oxtail to the pot along with the peanut sauce mixture and 2 tbsp annatto oil (if using). Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Step 5: Add 1 large sliced eggplant, 1 cup cut string beans, and 1/2 cup sliced banana flower (if using). Cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce?
Filipino beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
