Slow-Simmered Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce
A traditional Filipino oxtail stew simmered until tender and served in a savory peanut sauce with fresh vegetables. This filipino ready in about 210 minutes blends oxtail pieces, water, salt 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 550 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 tbsp salt
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 cup banana heart, sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup ground toasted rice
- 2 tbsp annatto seeds soaked in 1/4 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 pounds of oxtail pieces in a large pot with 8 cups water, 4 crushed garlic cloves, 1 large quartered onion, and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 3 hours until oxtail is very tender.
- Step 2: Remove oxtail pieces and reserve 4 cups of the broth. Strain the broth to remove solids, then return broth to the pot over medium heat.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup peanut butter with 1/4 cup ground toasted rice and 2 tablespoons annatto seed water (from soaked seeds), stirring until smooth.
- Step 4: Stir the peanut butter mixture into the hot broth, whisking constantly to combine and thicken for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons fish sauce to the stew. Return oxtail pieces to the pot.
- Step 6: Add 1 cup banana heart slices, 1 medium sliced eggplant, and 1 cup string beans. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve Kare-Kare hot with steamed rice and fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered Kare-Kare Oxtail Stew with Peanut Sauce?
Filipino filipino 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.
