Quick Kare Kare Udon

Bowl made by Heath Ceramics.

Kare Kare is a Filipino peanut-based stew usually made with ox tail and simmered over hours. This recipe takes those flavors and makes it into a quick noodle dish using things you likely have in your refrigerator and pantry already. This mash-up comes together really quick, so I suggest making the sauces and prep the veggies first. That way, you’re just tossing things together.

Ingredients :

• 3/4 pound of udon noodles (or even thick pasta noodles like Bucatini or Fettuccine)

• 1 pound ground beef (or chicken or turkey or pork)

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup smooth creamy peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (also known as a “slurry”)

• 1 cup white onion, chopped

• 4 scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons grated ginger

• 1 cup of green beans (or whatever veg you have)

• 1 cup of bok choy (or whatever leafy green you have)

• Vegetable/canola oil

• Kosher salt and pepper

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, mix the chicken stock, soy sauce, peanut butter, and vinegar. Set aside.

2. In a large non-stick pan or sauté pan, heat a couple tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Sauté white onions and white part of scallions until softened. Season with salt & pepper. Push the onions to the side to make a well in the middle of the pan, and turn the heat it high.

3. Add the ground beef and flatten to maximize the surface area with the pan. Leave alone to get it brown on one side. Flip the meat, season with salt & pepper, begin breaking it up, and add the garlic and ginger. Sauté until beef is cooked through.

4. Add the green beans and bok choy and sauté for a few minutes. Add the peanut sauce mixture, and let it reduce for a couple of minutes. Add the slurry until the sauce thickens. Turn heat down to low.

5. In a pot of boiling water, drop the udon noodles and gently break them apart. Real-talk, do NOT overcook. They should be ready in about 1 - 1 1/2 minutes. Drain and add them to the sauce. Toss until the noodles are well coated.

6. Plate in a bowl and garnish with the green parts of the scallions. Goes well with some sake!