Reader Tips: Make the Best Kare-Kare

Filipinos love a good kare-kare. A classic Pinoy stew made of ground toasted peanuts and oxtail, kare-kare is a comforting dish, served warm with piles of rice and a healthy dose of bagoong or fermented fish. 

We asked our readers what exactly they do to make their versions of this quintessential Filipino fave. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks:

Use rice flour to thicken the sauce for better texture. - Isabel Michelle Latayan-Pascua

Try this recipe: How to make Kare-Kare

Saute the peanut paste (not peanut butter) in garlic first, then put atsuete and the beef broth from all the boiled meats before putting in all the meat. -Ana Apolonio

Try this recipe: Kare-Kare

Grill the eggplant. -Jose Maglonzo

Try this recipe: Lechon Kawali Kare-Kare

Make it the old-fashioned way; Toast the sticky rice or malagkit first before grinding it. It'll taste like real kare-kare and not just peanut butter. -Joy Sherer

Try this recipe: Inihaw na Liempo with Peanut Bagoong Dipping Sauce

Use real freshly ground peanuts and put lots of it for a creamy, peanut-y taste! -Panpan Tan C

Try this recipe: Kare-Kare Pasta

Cook the vegetables separately -Brigette Guzman

Try this recipe: Salmon Head Kare-Kare