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Filipino Beef Pares (Braised Beef)

Filipino Beef Pares (Braised Beef)

Beef Pares is a quintessential Filipino comfort dish that combines three complementary elements: tender braised beef cooked in a sweet-savory soy sauce marinade, garlic-infused fried rice (sinangag), and a clear, flavorful beef broth served on the side. A beloved street food staple that has graduated into home kitchens, this dish transforms humble beef brisket into a melt-in-your-mouth protein through slow cooking, while its accompanying soup and rice create a satisfying balance of textures and flavors in each bite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4
Calories 719 kcal
Difficulty Medium

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot (kaldero) For cooking the broth and ensuring even heat distribution
  • Strainer [Salaan] For blanching the beef and achieving clear broth
  • Sharp knife (kutsilyo) For cutting meat into uniform pieces
  • Wok or large skillet (kawali) For making garlic fried rice
  • Wooden spoon (sandok na kahoy) For stirring without scratching the pot
  • Cheesecloth (telang pansala) Optional, for extra-clear broth
  • Serving bowls (mangkok) Separate ones for soup and rice
  • Meat thermometer (optional) To ensure beef is cooked to desired tenderness

Ingredients
 

For the Broth (Sabaw):

  • 2 pounds beef brisket brisket ng baka, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 6 cups water tubig
  • 1 large white onion sibuyas, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic bawang, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns pamintang buo
  • 2 bay leaves dahon ng laurel
  • 1 tablespoon salt asin
  • Green onions chopped for garnish

For the Braised Beef (Beef Asado):

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch ginger luya, julienned
  • 1 cup reserved beef broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce toyo
  • ¼ cup brown sugar asukal na pula
  • 2 pieces star anise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Rice (Sinangag):

  • 4 cups day-old rice kanin
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

BROTH (SABAW):

  • Start by blanching 2 pounds beef brisket: Bring 2 quarts water to a rolling boil (100°C/212°F). Add beef cubes and blanch for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly (banlawan ng mabuti).
  • In a clean pot, combine blanched beef with 6 cups fresh water (tubig), 1 quartered onion (sibuyas), 4 crushed garlic cloves (bawang), 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns (pamintang buo), 2 bay leaves (dahon ng laurel), and 1 tablespoon salt (asin). Bring to a gentle simmer (85-90°C/185-195°F) and maintain for 2-2½ hours, skimming as needed (alisin ang bula).

BRAISED BEEF (BEEF ASADO):

  • While the broth simmers, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a separate pot over medium heat (160°C/320°F). Sauté finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and julienned ginger (luya) until fragrant (hanggang mabango).
  • Add the tender beef from the broth and brown lightly. Add 1 cup reserved broth, ¼ cup soy sauce (toyo), ¼ cup brown sugar (asukal na pula), and 2 star anise. Reduce heat to low-medium (150°C/300°F) and simmer until sauce thickens (hanggang lumapot ang sarsa).

GARLIC RICE (SINANGAG):

  • In a wok or large skillet, heat ¼ cup oil over low heat (130°C/266°F). Fry 5 cloves minced garlic until golden brown (hanggang maging golden brown). Remove and set aside.
  • Increase heat to high (190°C/375°F). Using the garlic-infused oil, stir-fry 4 cups day-old rice (kanin) until heated through. Mix in the fried garlic and season with salt.
  • Serve all components hot: Place garlic rice and braised beef in separate bowls, with the clear broth on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

  • Use beef brisket with some fat marbling for the best flavor
  • Never boil the broth aggressively - gentle bubbles only
  • Prep garlic rice while beef is simmering to save time
  • Toast star anise briefly before adding for enhanced aroma
  • Add a piece of ginger to the broth to remove any gamey smell (malansa)
 

Nutrition

Calories: 719kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 54gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 2966mgPotassium: 976mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 5.6mg
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