Beef Pares Recipe: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

Tender, fall-apart beef swimming in a sweet-savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing – that’s the magic of Beef Pares recipe! This Filipino favorite combines the richness of braised beef with a uniquely addictive sauce that transforms plain rice into something extraordinary. I first discovered this street food gem during a weekend food crawl in Manila, and I’ve been perfecting my homemade version ever since.

What makes this dish truly special is how it balances complex flavors while being surprisingly quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can create restaurant-quality Beef Pares recipe that will impress even your pickiest family members. It reminds me a lot of my popular Beef Bulalo recipe (which many of you have been raving about!), but with its own distinctive character. Ready to bring this Filipino classic to your dinner table tonight? Let’s dive in!

What is Beef Pares Recipe?

Have you ever wondered what exactly Beef Pares recipe is and why it has such a devoted following in Filipino cuisine? The name itself provides a clue – “pares” means “pair” in Filipino, referring to the classic pairing of tender braised beef with garlic rice, usually served with a clear soup on the side. It’s the ultimate comfort food trifecta that satisfies on every level!

This beloved dish emerged from the bustling streets of Manila, where “paresan” (beef pares shops) would serve up this hearty meal to hungry workers looking for something filling yet affordable at any hour of the day. Think of it as the Filipino equivalent of a New York diner – always open, always satisfying, and always drawing a crowd.

What makes Beef Pares recipe truly special is its remarkable transformation of simple ingredients. Imagine taking an inexpensive cut of beef and, through the magic of slow simmering, turning it into something so tender it practically dissolves in your mouth. The sauce is where the real magic happens – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that somehow manages to be both complex and comforting at the same time.

I remember my Filipino neighbor, Tita Marie, always saying that Beef Pares recipe was her secret weapon when cooking for her husband. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she’d wink, “and nothing wins hearts faster than pares!” After one bite of this dish, you’ll understand exactly what she meant.

The beauty of Beef Pares recipe lies in its accessibility. While street vendors have perfected it over generations, you don’t need professional equipment or exotic ingredients to create an authentic version at home. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can bring this Filipino classic to life in your own kitchen. So why not roll up your sleeves and give it a try? Your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Pares Recipe:

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your weeknight rotation, this Beef Pares recipe deserves the top spot! The star of this dish is undoubtedly the melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks that absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes Filipino cuisine so addictive. The meat becomes remarkably tender in just 30 minutes, making this dish seem like it took hours to prepare when it actually fits perfectly into your busy schedule.

Making Beef Pares recipe at home is also incredibly budget-friendly. Restaurant versions can cost a pretty penny, but this homemade recipe uses affordable beef chuck or brisket that transforms beautifully during cooking. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand—soy sauce, garlic, star anise, and basic seasonings. By preparing this restaurant-quality dish at home, you’re getting an authentic taste of Filipino cuisine at a fraction of the cost.

The sauce is truly what elevates this dish to legendary status. Infused with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and star anise, it creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic. The sauce thickens naturally during cooking, creating a beautiful glaze that coats each piece of beef perfectly. When spooned over a bed of freshly cooked rice, it creates that signature “pares” experience that Filipinos have treasured for generations.

If you’ve enjoyed my Beef Bulalo recipe, you’ll find Beef Pares offers a different but equally delicious experience from Filipino cuisine. Where Bulalo celebrates the rich simplicity of bone marrow and clear broth, Pares showcases how Filipino cooking expertly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors in a more sauce-focused dish. Ready to bring this street food favorite to your dinner table? Trust me—once you master this Beef Pares recipe, it will become your new go-to for impressing family and friends!

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How to Make Beef Pares:

Quick Overview

This Beef Pares recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef in a rich, glossy sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice. What makes this version special is how quickly it comes together—just 30 minutes from start to finish! The secret lies in cutting the beef into smaller pieces and using a pressure cooker method (though I’ll share stovetop instructions too). You’ll love how the aromatic sauce thickens naturally to create that authentic street food experience right in your home kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Beef Pares Recipe:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2-inch ginger, sliced into thin strips
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish
• Fried garlic bits for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onions become translucent (about 2 minutes). Add the ginger strips and continue to cook for another minute.
3. Create the sauce base: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir well to coat the beef with the sauce ingredients.
4. Add the liquids and spices: Pour in the beef broth. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Pressure cook method: If using a pressure cooker, secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow for a 10-minute natural release before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Stovetop method: If using a regular pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Reduce the sauce: After the beef is tender, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for about 5-7 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
8. Check seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the Beef Pares recipe over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and fried garlic bits.

What to Serve Beef Pares With:

Beef Pares recipe traditionally comes as a complete meal with specific pairings that enhance its rich flavors. Serve it with:

• Garlic Fried Rice: The classic pairing—fragrant rice cooked with plenty of fried garlic provides the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Clear Beef Soup: Traditionally, a light beef broth soup is served alongside to complete the “pares” experience.
• Atchara: This pickled green papaya side dish offers a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the beef.
• Steamed Bok Choy or Chinese Broccoli: Simple greens lightly seasoned with oyster sauce provide a fresh element to balance the meal.
• Cold Beer or Calamansi Juice: Either beverage complements the flavors beautifully—beer for a traditional pairing or calamansi juice for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

Nutrition:

Nutrition values are approximate and based on one serving of beef pares without rice.

Top Tips for Perfecting Beef Pares:

• Choose the right cut: While beef chuck or brisket work best, you can also use beef shank or short ribs for extra richness.
• Don’t skip the searing: Taking time to brown the beef properly creates a deeper flavor foundation that makes a huge difference in the final dish.
• Spice variations: For a more complex flavor, try adding a few pieces of star anise or a cinnamon stick to the braising liquid.
• Sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer it uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
• Make it ahead: Beef Pares actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
• Serving temperature: This dish is best served piping hot over freshly cooked rice to experience the full range of aromas and flavors.
• Garlic rice pairing: For authentic Filipino flavors, serve with sinangag (garlic fried rice) rather than plain rice.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Beef Pares recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. To keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Allow the pares to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead dish.

Freezing: For longer storage, Beef Pares recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 2-3 months.

Reheating: For the best flavor when reheating:

• Stovetop: Place the Beef Pares recipe in a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout (about 5-7 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe container, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and maintain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly hot.

Pro tip: If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of beef broth or water when reheating to restore its original consistency.

“The secret to amazing Beef Pares is patience with the sauce and quality beef. Let the flavors meld together, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like it came straight from the streets of Manila!”

Have you tried this Beef Pares recipe yet? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out, and don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media!

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