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.

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)

Pares

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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