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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?

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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.

A White Bowl Filled with Tender Beef Pares in A Rich, Savory Sauce, Garnished with Chopped Green Onions

Beef Pares Recipe

Craving comfort food that warms the heart and fills the soul? Let me share one of my all-time favorite dishes: Beef Pares.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

Large pot or deep skillet
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and chopping board

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Add the cubed beef and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the marinated beef cubes and sear them until lightly browned on all sides.
Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add garlic, onions, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
Braise the Beef
Return the seared beef to the pot.
Pour in water or beef stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Taste and adjust sugar or seasoning if needed.
Make the Garlic Fried Rice
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and crispy. Remove a small portion of garlic for topping later.
Add the day-old rice and mix well, ensuring the grains are coated in garlic oil.
Season with a pinch of salt and stir-fry until heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the Beef Pares with a generous serving of garlic fried rice.
Sprinkle crispy garlic bits on top for extra flavor.
For the full experience, serve with a side of clear beef broth or a light vegetable soup.
Garnish with chopped green onions or a wedge of calamansi/lemon for added freshness.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

Choose the right beef: Brisket or chuck has the perfect balance of fat and lean meat for a juicy, flavorful dish.
Low and slow is key: The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes.
Balance the sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste—some prefer it a little sweeter, while others like it more savory.
Make extra: Beef Pares tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight!

Keyword Beef Pares, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Filipino Cuisine, Garlic Rice, Slow Cooked Beef

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.

Why You’ll Love Beef Pares

@leahscohen Beef Pares is a Filipino beef stew typically served as a combo set with garlic rice and a hot bowl of flavorful beef broth. This is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for the cold weather here in #NYC #beefpares #beefpareswithbonemarrow #beefstewrecipe #garlicricerecipe #combospecial #masarap #pinoyfoodtiktok ♬ Her Way (Sped Up) – PARTYNEXTDOOR

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.

If you’re looking for something quick and equally satisfying, try an easy shrimp burrito recipe—it’s another crowd-pleaser that won’t disappoint.

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!

Beef Pares Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Braised