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Beef Pares

Prep 15 min
Cook 2 hrs
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Recipe by Nanay Rosa |

Beef Pares

Manila's Famous Sweet-Savory Braised Beef

Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 2 hrs
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Beef Pares

About This Recipe

Beef Pares is quintessential Manila street food, the name coming from "pares" meaning "pair" - referring to the perfect pairing of sweet braised beef with garlic fried rice (sinangag). This humble dish originated from small eateries in the 1970s and has since become a beloved comfort food across the Philippines.

The magic of beef pares lies in its sweet-savory sauce made with star anise, giving it a distinctive flavor similar to Chinese five-spice. The beef is braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is thick enough to coat each piece perfectly. Traditionally served with a bowl of beef broth soup on the side, it's the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef brisket, cut into cubes
  • 4 cups water or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sauté Aromatics

    Heat oil in a heavy pot. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 2

    Brown the Beef

    Add beef brisket and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. This builds flavor in the dish.

  3. 3

    Add Liquid and Spices

    Pour in water, soy sauce, and star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is very tender.

  4. 4

    Make the Sauce

    Remove about 2 cups of the braising liquid for soup. Add brown sugar and oyster sauce to the pot. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and glazes the beef.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Garnish with green onions. Serve hot with garlic fried rice and a bowl of the reserved broth with chopped green onions. Don't forget the chili garlic sauce!

Tips & Variations

Star Anise Secret

Star anise is the key flavor! Don't skip it. Use 2-4 pieces depending on how strong you want the flavor.

Sinangag Pairing

The garlic fried rice is essential. Use day-old rice fried with lots of garlic for the best pairing.

Chili Garlic Oil

Make your own chili garlic oil to serve alongside - it takes beef pares to another level.