Beef Pares Recipe - Sweet and Savory Filipino Braised Beef

Beef Pares Recipe (Filipino Sweet & Savory Braised Beef)

Beef Pares is a popular Filipino street food dish made with tender braised beef simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. It is traditionally served with garlic fried rice (sinangag) and a light beef soup on the side — that’s why it’s called “pares,” meaning pair.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilo beef brisket or beef shank, cut into cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4–5 cups water or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Chopped spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil beef in water for 10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse.
2. In a pot, heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add beef and cook until lightly browned.
4. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, star anise, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Add water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours until beef is tender.
6. If you prefer thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add slowly while stirring.
7. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Garnish with chopped spring onions.

For the Beef Soup (Optional):

• Use the beef broth from boiling.
• Add salt, pepper, and chopped green onions.
• Serve hot on the side.

Cooking Tips:

• Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
• Add a little beef cubes for extra flavor.
• Adjust sugar depending on your preferred sweetness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Beef Pares is sweet, savory, and incredibly comforting. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for lunch or dinner — especially when paired with garlic fried rice.

Serving Suggestion: Best served with garlic fried rice and a bowl of hot beef soup.