Pares

Beef Stew with Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ginger and Anise Seed

Recipe by :  Ariel Jasa,  Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Pares is a stewed beef dish that is savory yet slightly sweet, cooked until fork tender, with a hint of licorice taste from the star anise.

The word itself means "a pair" -  that is,  the pairing of the beef and garlic fried rice.

It is said to have been originated from a garage-turned-restaurant in Retiro, Quezon City.

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Well, it became so popular in the 90's that the next thing you know,  every other block has a Pares stall/turo-turo/restaurant.

The taste somewhat reminds me of the filling of the siopao pork asado, except that this one has ginger and is not as sweet.

YOUR PARES RECIPE SHOPPING LIST:

  • Beef Brisket
  • Star Anise
  • Brown Sugar
  • Oyster Sauce

IN THE PANTRY:

  • Soy Sauce
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Ginger
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Cooking Oil


INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 Kg. Beef Brisket, cubed
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • Enough water to tenderize the meat
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 Thumb size Ginger, grated
  • 2 pieces Star Anise
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

  • 3 Tbsp. Cooking Oil
  • 2 tbsp. Cornstarch dissolved in 1 1/2 Tbsp Water(slurry)


1   Brown the beef pieces in 3 Tbsp. hot oil, then remove the beef from the pan.

2   Using the same pan, saute the garlic, onion and ginger.  Add the beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, star anise and enough water to cover the meat.

3   Bring to a boil, then simmer at medium heat for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and with about 2 - 3 cups broth left in the pan.

4  Add the oyster sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

5  Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry.

6   Garnish with spring onions and serve with garlic fried rice.

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