Some places feed your stomach. Others feed your soul. Pandan Asian Cafe does both. Nestled in the heart of Philippines, this cafe isn’t just about the food—it’s about connection, culture, and comfort.
Table of Contents
First Impressions
When you walk in, you know you’re in the right place. The warm wood tones. The calming green accents. The gentle aroma of pandan in the air. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a story, a feeling.
The staff smiles, not because they’re told to, but because they mean it. They guide you to your seat like you’ve been here a hundred times before. And then, there’s the menu. A fusion of tradition and innovation, every dish whispers, “This is home.”
Kare-Kare: A Bowl of Filipino Soul
But the star of the show? Kare-Kare.
Kare-Kare isn’t just food. It’s a legacy, a reminder of Filipino kitchens, of slow Sundays, and the kind of care you can taste. At Pandan, they’ve taken this classic and made it extraordinary. A clay pot arrives at your table, steaming and rich, with oxtail so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork. Eggplant, string beans, and bok choy swim in a sauce that’s thick, creamy, and just the right kind of nutty.
Each bite is a journey: the softness of the meat, the crunch of the vegetables, the pop of umami from the bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. You don’t just eat it—you experience it.
And then you think, “What if I could make this at home?”
Here’s how:
Kare-Kare at Home
Filipino Oxtail Stew
Experience the rich and savory flavors of the Philippines with this Authentic Filipino Oxtail Stew. Perfectly tender oxtail simmered to perfection, enriched with a creamy peanut sauce and vibrant vegetables. This hearty and comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite, bringing a touch of Filipino cuisine to your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and packed with deliciousness. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that’s both traditional and irresistibly tasty!
6
servings10
minutes2
hours30
minutes600
kcal2
hours40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Proteins and Broth
3 pounds oxtail sliced into 2-inch pieces (alternatively use beef tripe or beef slices)
34 ounces beef broth
- Vegetables
4 eggplants cut into slices
1 banana flower bud thinly sliced
1 bunch bok choy chopped
1 bunch string beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- Sauce and Seasonings
1 cup finely ground peanuts
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup fermented shrimp paste
½ cup annatto seed water (soaked in 1 cup water)
½ cup toasted rice flour
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 large onion chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Alternative Ingredients:
Oxtail: Substitute with beef shank or lamb neck for a similar texture and flavor.
Banana Flower Bud: Use heart of palm or artichoke hearts if unavailable.
Bok Choy: Replace with spinach or kale for a different leafy green.
String Beans: Snap peas or green beans can be used as alternatives.
Ground Peanuts: Almond flour or cashew butter can substitute for a nut-free version.
Shrimp Paste: Use fish sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
Annatto Seeds: Substitute with paprika or turmeric for color without the seeds.
Toasted Rice Flour: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce if rice flour is unavailable.
Peanut Butter: Almond or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a different nut profile.
Oven Cooking: If a stovetop is unavailable use an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven in the oven.
Directions
- Preparing the Broth: In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a rolling boil. Carefully add the oxtail pieces and chopped onion, allowing them to simmer gently for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. For a quicker method, use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time to about 35 minutes.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Once the oxtail is tender, incorporate the finely ground peanuts, creamy peanut butter, and the annatto seed water into the pot. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Thickening the Sauce: Add the toasted rice flour to the stew, stirring well to ensure a smooth consistency. Continue to simmer the stew for another 5 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce to your desired texture.
- Cooking the Vegetables: In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced banana flower bud, eggplants, and string beans to the pan, cooking them together for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant.
- Combining Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the large pot containing the oxtail and peanut sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to absorb the rich flavors of the stew.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the Kare-kare piping hot, accompanied by a side of shrimp paste for an authentic touch. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Filipino Oxtail Stew!
Equipment
- large pot
- separate pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 600kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 40g
- Vitamin A: 25IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 6mg
