Soy-Free Kare-Kare

Experience the bold, comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine with this Soy-Free Kare-Kare, a delicious twist on the traditional peanut-based stew. Made with tender beef shank, vibrant vegetables like eggplant, banana heart, and bok choy, and a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce, this recipe is completely free of soy—perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Annatto powder lends its signature golden hue, while fish sauce and aromatics like garlic and onions enhance every bite with savory depth. Whether you're looking for a hearty dinner or a showcase of authentic Filipino flavors, this version of Kare-Kare is sure to satisfy. Serve it with steamed rice for the perfect pairing!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef shank
• 2 medium, sliced eggplant
• 1 bunch, leaves separated bok choy
• 1 small, sliced banana heart
• 1 cup, trimmed green beans
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon annatto powder
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the beef shank and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours or until tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the top.

Step 2

2. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Keep the broth as you'll use it later.

Step 3

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4

4. Add the annatto powder to the skillet and stir well to combine, creating a vibrant red hue.

Step 5

5. Pour the sautéed onion, garlic, and annatto mixture into the pot with the broth. Add the peanut butter and stir until completely dissolved and incorporated into the broth.

Step 6

6. Season the stew with fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust according to taste.

Step 7

7. Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced eggplant, banana heart, and green beans until they start to soften.

Step 8

8. Add the sautéed vegetables and the beef shank back to the pot. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

9. Finally, add the bok choy leaves to the pot and cook until they are just wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 10

10. Serve the soy-free Kare-Kare hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich, nutty flavors of this classic Filipino dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4348.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3863.1

Total Fat 217.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 58.1g
Cholesterol 747.1mg	0%
Sodium 7067.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 59.9g	0%
Total Sugars 79.0g
Protein 359.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1031.2mg	0%
Iron 51.9mg	0%
Potassium 10081.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 16.3%