Craving comfort food that warms the heart and fills the soul?
Let me share one of my all-time favorite dishes: Beef Pares.
Its rich, savory-sweet flavor paired with tender beef is a match made in culinary heaven.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Let’s jump right into the magic of making Beef Pares, step-by-step.
What Makes Beef Pares So Special?
Beef Pares is a Filipino classic—a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that’s slow-cooked to perfection.
The word pares means “pair” because it’s traditionally served with garlic fried rice and a side of clear soup. Comfort food at its finest.
The secret lies in the marinade and the slow braising process.
The meat becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, while the sauce thickens into a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this masterpiece. It’s a short list, and most are pantry staples:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 kg beef brisket or chuck, cubed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
For the Braise:
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ginger, julienned
- 2 cups water or beef stock
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Garlic Fried Rice:
- 3 cups day-old rice
- 2 tbsp oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Beef Pares
1. Marinade the Beef
Start by marinating the beef cubes. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, and black pepper in a large bowl.
Toss the beef into the mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for a deeper flavor.
2. Sear for Extra Flavor
Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Sear the marinated beef cubes until they develop a golden crust.
Don’t skip this step—it locks in the juices and gives the dish that mouthwatering depth.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté garlic, onions, and ginger until fragrant. The aroma is your first hint that something magical is happening.
4. Braise the Beef
Add the seared beef back into the pot, then pour in water or beef stock. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
Let it simmer over low heat for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is fork-tender, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Taste-test and adjust seasoning as needed.
Making the Perfect Garlic Fried Rice
Garlic rice is the ultimate pairing for Beef Pares. Here’s how to make it irresistible:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until golden and crispy. Remove a bit of the garlic for topping later.
- Toss in the rice and mix well, ensuring every grain is coated in garlic goodness.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt for seasoning and stir-fry until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Plate up your Beef Pares with a generous mound of garlic fried rice.
Top the rice with crispy garlic bits for extra flair.
If you want the full experience, add a side of clear beef broth or a light vegetable soup.
For a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle chopped green onions over the beef or serve it with a wedge of calamansi or lemon.
Tips for Better Taste
- Pick the right cut of beef: Brisket or chuck works best because they’re marbled with fat, which keeps the meat juicy during braising.
- Low and slow is the way to go: The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. Some prefer it slightly sweeter, while others like it more savory.
- Make extra: The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love Beef Pares
It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and it’s surprisingly easy to make despite its luxurious taste.
Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday, Beef Pares is the kind of meal that makes everything feel just a little better.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and create a dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Don’t forget to share it with someone you love—after all, food is best enjoyed together!