Kare-Kare Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry
A rich and hearty Filipino beef curry inspired by Kare-Kare, featuring tender beef simmered in a savory peanut sauce with vegetables. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs (450 g), cut into cubes beef chuck, smooth peanut butter, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 lb (450 g), cut into cubes beef chuck
- 1/3 cup, smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced yellow onion
- 1 medium, sliced eggplant
- 1 cup, trimmed green beans
- 1 tbsp annatto seeds (atsuete)
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- to taste salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium sliced yellow onion; sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups water and add 1 tbsp annatto seeds to impart a rich color. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour until the beef is tender.
- Step 4: Remove annatto seeds and stir in 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter and 2 tbsp fish sauce; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Step 5: Add 1 medium sliced eggplant and 1 cup trimmed green beans, simmer for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Season with salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste before serving warm with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kare-Kare Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kare-Kare Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smooth peanut butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kare-Kare Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry?
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 Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Style Filipino Peanut Beef Curry?
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.
