"Pares" is a popular Filipino dish that consists of braised beef paired with garlic fried rice, and a bowl of beef broth soup on the side. The name "pares" means "pair" in Filipino, indicating the combination of beef and rice. Here's a brief history of Filipino pares and a simple recipe for you to try at home:
History of Filipino Pares
The exact origins of pares are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the streets of Manila, particularly in the Tondo district. It's a beloved dish among Filipinos, known for its hearty and comforting flavors. Pares is often considered a street food, originally served by "pares" vendors who would set up makeshift stalls along sidewalks. You can use this recipe to start your own pares business if you like to.
The dish became popular due to its affordability and delicious taste. The combination of tender beef, flavorful sauce, and garlic fried rice struck a chord with many, making it a staple in local eateries and home kitchens alike. Over time, various versions of pares have emerged, with some recipes adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce, while others focus on a more savory profile.
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Filipino Pares Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef brisket or beef belly, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 3 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions:
Beef Pares:
- Heat some cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the beef cubes and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the beef with the sauce.
- Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in water, then pour it into the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender. You may need to add more water if it evaporates too quickly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be savory with a hint of sweetness.
Garlic Fried Rice:
- Heat some oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir to coat the rice with the garlic and oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring and cooking until the rice is heated through.
Serving:
Serve the beef pares hot with a generous serving of garlic fried rice on the side.
Optionally, you can garnish the beef with chopped green onions or toasted garlic for extra flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Filipino pares with a side of beef broth soup (the broth from cooking the beef) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of calamansi juice or vinegar to the beef pares just before serving.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the simmering beef until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding boiled eggs, fried tofu, or even some veggies like bok choy or cabbage to the beef pares.
Enjoy your homemade Filipino pares!
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