Batangas Kaldereta

We’re back with another Filipino favorite! This dish is a staple at fiestas, just like menudo (which happens to be my favorite) along with hamonado and other classics. Yes, you guessed it—today’s recipe is kaldereta, but instead of the typical spicy pork kaldereta, we’re using beef. So get your cooking gear and apron ready—it’s time to cook up some delicious kaldereta!

Batangas Kaldereta Recipe

When we think of Batangas, we often associate it with chilly weather, Batangas lomi, and bulalo, right? Well, it also boasts its own pride—Batangas kaldereta! But what sets it apart? Let’s explore! One standout feature is the use of liver spread, especially the old soul Reno Liver Spread that has been in the hearts of Filipinos for ages. This ingredient adds a rich and distinctive flavor that distinguishes it from other versions. Additionally, Batangas kaldereta is renowned for its bold spiciness, often incorporating chili peppers or hot sauce to give it that special kick.

Kaldereta often gets mixed up with menudo or mechado because they share similar ingredients and appearance, but they each have their own unique qualities. One common myth is that kaldereta contains tomato sauce, but true kaldereta doesn’t actually use it. Instead, kaldereta gets its rich, savory flavor from liver spread or liver paste, along with a bit of heat from chili peppers or hot sauce. These flavors make kaldereta stand out from other Filipino stews, giving it a bold and delicious taste that’s all its own. So, next time you have kaldereta, enjoy its special flavors and embrace its tasty differences!

Filipinos have a deep love for spicy food, and Batangas kaldereta perfectly satisfies that craving with its bold flavors and fiery kick. This classic dish is a must-try recipe, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Batangas. Scroll down to discover the secrets of making this delicious dish and bring a taste of Batangas into your kitchen today!

Ingredients for Batangas Kaldereta

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with Batangas kaldereta! This hearty Filipino dish features tender beef simmered in a savory sauce infused with tomatoes, liver spread, and a spicy kick from chili peppers. If you’re ready to spice things up in the kitchen, grab your ingredients and prepare for the delicious challenge ahead. Will you conquer the spiciness or end up in tears? Let’s find out together!

• 3 lbs. beef chuck, sliced into 1 ½ inch cubes — The beef chuck should be sliced for even cooking and tenderness.
• 3 red onions, chopped — To add a sweet and savory flavor base to the dish.
• 8 cloves garlic, chopped — Chop the garlic cloves to release their aromatic and pungent essence into the dish.
• 3 ounces liver spread — The reason why kaldereta is called kaldereta!
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional) — Lend a creamy and nutty taste to the dish, complementing other ingredients.
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese — To add a slight creaminess plus cheesiness flavor!
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish — Add sweet pickle relish to introduce a tangy and sweet element to balance the dish’s flavors.
• 1 teaspoon annatto powder — Brings not only a bright color but a mild peppery undertone to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon beef powder — Enhance the beefy taste and richness of the dish.
• 3 Thai chili pepper, chopped — For a spicy kick, adjust quantity based on desired heat level.
• ¼ cup soy sauce — Provide umami and saltiness to the dish.
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce — For its tangy and savory notes.
• 4 cups water — Our cooking liquid to create a flavorful broth.
• 3 tablespoons margarine — Incorporate margarine for richness and a buttery flavor in the cooking process.
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs — Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the dish for added texture and to help bind the ingredients together for our Batangas kaldereta later.
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste — To ensurea balanced and well-seasoned dish.

How to Cook Batangas Kaldereta

1. Marinate the beef

• Mix the beef and soy sauce in a bowl, making sure the beef gets coated nicely.
• Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the base

• If it’s go time, let’s now prepare the base. In a pan, melt the margarine over medium heat.
• Afterward, stir in the annatto powder to infuse a vibrant color into the margarine.

• Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it begins to brown.
• Then, add the onions and continue cooking until they soften. Caramelizing the onion is also a good idea. To do this, simply cook them over low heat for a few extra minutes until they turn golden brown and become sweet-smelling.

2. Cook the beef

• Add the marinated beef to the pan and sauté until the outer part turns a light brown color.
• Stir often to ensure even cooking on all sides, which should take about 3 minutes.

• Next, incorporate Worcestershire sauce and sweet pickle relish into the beef, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance flavor.

3. Simmer and tenderize the beef

• Pour in the water (or you can use beef broth, if any) and bring it to a boil.
• Then, stir in the beef powder (or beef bouillon cubes) and cover the pan.
• Allow the mixture to simmer until the beef becomes tender, and don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan and achieve even cooking.

• This can take around 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering on the stove. This slow cooking method helps the beef get really tender and brings out all those delicious flavors. Just keep an eye on it and simmer until the beef is as tender as you like. To speed up the tenderizing process, you can use a pressure cooker.

4. Season and thicken the sauce

• Add the liver spread, cheese, chili peppers, and cheese. And if you like, you can also include peanut butter in your Batangas kaldereta.

• Stir until the sauce becomes smooth. It will thicken up after a few minutes.
• Keep cooking on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
• Add breadcrumbs to further thicken the sauce. If you prefer a runny sauce, you can skip this step.

• Finally, season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!

How to Serve Batangas Kaldereta

A fiesta isn’t complete without our kaldereta. For the perfect Batangas kaldereta experience, be sure to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add that extra pop of flavor. Serve it up with a generous portion of steamed white rice—trust me, it’s the ultimate match for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Thanks for tuning in. See you in our next recipe!