Beef Pares Recipe – Tender Braised Beef & Garlic Fried Rice

The rich aroma of tender braised beef, the fragrant steam rising from garlic-studded rice, and a bowl of crystal-clear broth that warms the soul – this is Beef Pares, a culinary treasure that has captured the hearts of food lovers across the Philippines and beyond.

What is Beef Pares?

“Pares,” meaning “pair” in Filipino, refers to the magical combination of tender braised beef and garlic fried rice that forms the backbone of this beloved dish. What began as a humble street food offering has evolved into a culinary phenomenon, gracing the menus of everything from bustling carinderias (local eateries) to upscale restaurants.

This beloved comfort meal consists of three essential components: succulent braised beef slow-cooked in a sweet-savory sauce, aromatic garlic fried rice (sinangag), and a clear, flavorful beef broth. It’s a dish that brings warmth during rainy seasons and satisfaction at any time of day.

The Essential Ingredients

For the Beef Broth:

• Quality beef cuts (brisket, shanks, or braising cuts)
• Fresh water
• Yellow onion
• Whole garlic cloves
• Whole black peppercorns
• Fish sauce (patis)
• Salt to taste
• Toasted garlic and spring onions for garnish

For the Braised Beef:

• The tender meat from your broth
• Cooking oil
• Onions, fresh ginger, and garlic
• Premium soy sauce
• Star anise
• Five-spice powder
• Fresh bay leaves
• Ground black pepper
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch mixed with water
• Spring onions for garnish

For the Garlic Fried Rice:

• Day-old cooked rice
• Cooking oil
• Plenty of minced garlic
• Salt to taste

The Art of Preparation

Creating the Perfect Broth:

1. Begin by blanching your beef: A quick boil and rinse removes impurities and ensures a clean-tasting broth.
2. Combine the cleaned beef with fresh water, onion, peppercorns, and a dash of fish sauce.
3. Maintain a gentle simmer until the beef becomes fork-tender.
4. Strain the broth if desired, and keep it warm with a garnish of roasted garlic and fresh spring onions.

Crafting the Braised Beef:

1. Start by sautéing your aromatics until they release their fragrance.
2. Add the tender beef and brown it slightly to develop deeper flavors.
3. Pour in soy sauce and add your spices: star anise, five-spice, bay leaves, and pepper.
4. Introduce brown sugar for balance and add some reserved broth.
5. Finish with a cornstarch slurry to achieve that signature glossy sauce.

Perfecting the Garlic Rice:

1. Break up your day-old rice to prevent clumping.
2. Fry minced garlic to golden perfection, reserving some for garnish.
3. Use the garlic-infused oil to fry your rice until heated through.
4. Season with salt and mix in the crispy garlic bits.

Serving Your Creation

Present your Beef Pares with flair by plating the braised beef alongside a generous portion of garlic rice. Serve the hot broth in a separate bowl, garnished with green onions and toasted garlic. For extra indulgence, some prefer adding a spoonful of the rich beef sauce to their broth.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose beef cuts with good marbling for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep your broth clear by maintaining a gentle simmer throughout cooking.
• Never use freshly cooked rice for sinangag – day-old rice is essential for the perfect texture.
• Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time without sacrificing quality.
• Prepare extra broth in advance to save time on your next batch.

Storage and Reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers:

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months

When reheating, do so gently to maintain the meat’s tenderness and the rice’s texture.

Kitchen Notes

Remember that Beef Pares is more than just a meal – it’s a representation of Filipino culinary ingenuity. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors creates a dining experience that’s both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re cooking it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish never fails to satisfy.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, but always maintain the balance between sweet and savory that makes Beef Pares truly special. With practice, you’ll master this beloved dish and perhaps even develop your own signature version of this Filipino classic.

Share your Beef Pares creations with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you try it. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow and improve together.