Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew
Rich and savory oxtail stew simmered slowly in a creamy peanut sauce with tender vegetables, a beloved Filipino comfort dish. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs pounds, cut into segments oxtail pieces, peanut butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 2 pounds, cut into segments oxtail pieces
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon, soaked in 1/4 cup hot water annatto seeds
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 1 medium, sliced into 1-inch pieces eggplant
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces string beans
- 1 cup, sliced banana blossom (optional)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- to taste salt
- 2 tablespoons for thickening peanut powder (optional)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 pounds oxtail pieces and place in a large pot with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours, skimming impurities occasionally until meat is tender.
- Step 2: While the oxtail simmers, soak 1 tablespoon annatto seeds in 1/4 cup hot water for 10 minutes, then strain to extract color and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped medium onion until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the sautéed garlic and onion mixture to the pot with the cooked oxtail along with 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and the annatto water for color. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 1 medium sliced eggplant, 1 cup trimmed string beans, and 1 cup sliced banana blossom (if using) to the stew. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Optional: Stir in 2 tablespoons peanut powder to thicken the sauce further. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew?
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 peanut butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew?
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 Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew 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 Slow-Cooked Kare-Kare Peanut Oxtail Stew?
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.
