This Fish Kare Kare recipe offers all the rich, nutty flavors of the traditional stew but replaces the classic oxtail with tender fish fillets for a lighter, quicker-cooking version. Perfect for seafood lovers or those wanting a healthier alternative, this dish keeps the signature peanut-based sauce and fresh vegetables that make kare-kare so beloved in Filipino cuisine.
✅ Lighter & Quicker – No long braising required (ready in 30 minutes!)
✅ Same Authentic Flavor – Creamy peanut sauce with a hint of annatto
✅ Packed with Veggies – String beans, eggplant, and pechay for nutrition
✅ Budget-Friendly – Fish is often more affordable than oxtail
🐟 Firm white fish (lapu-lapu, tilapia, or cream dory) – Holds up well in the stew
🥜 Peanut butter or ground roasted peanuts – For that classic kare-kare richness
🥥 Achuete (annatto) oil – Adds color and subtle earthy flavor
🥬 Fresh veggies – String beans (sitaw), eggplant, and pechay (bok choy)
🦐 Bagoong alamang (shrimp paste) – The essential salty contrast
1️⃣ Sear the fish lightly to keep it firm, then set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté garlic, onions, and annatto oil to build flavor.
3️⃣ Simmer peanut butter in broth until thickened into a luscious sauce.
4️⃣ Add veggies and cook until tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Gently return fish to the sauce to warm through.
🍚 Best with steamed rice – The sauce is meant to be poured generously!
🔥 Pair with bagoong – The salty shrimp paste balances the peanut sauce perfectly.
🌿 Garnish with fried garlic for extra aroma.
This Fish Kare Kare recipe is proof you don’t need meat to enjoy this Filipino favorite! Creamy, savory, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s ideal for weeknights or festive gatherings. Try it tonight! 🐟🥜🍆
If you give our recipe a try, you'll undoubtedly enjoy it.
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Super Easy Fish kare kare recipe. In this recipe we use fish instead of oxtail. The sauce on this Filipino dish, known as "Kare Kare," is flavorful, rich, and thick. It is a popular delicacy in the Philippines that is served on special occasions.
The traditional recipe uses ox tail to prepare this dish. This recipe is another version for the traditional kare kare recipe. It’s very similar preparation to the original kare kare version. The main distinction between them is we use fish. The common vegetables like string beans, eggplant and pechay are in on our fish kare kare version.
If you give our recipe a try, you'll undoubtedly enjoy it.
Browse our recipe library if you're seeking for additional stew recipes. Enjoy and share the food. We appreciate you stopping by.
Thank you.
Clean and cut the Mackerel fish (tangigue) into serving pieces. Wash and drain them, then dash with salt to taste.
Peel the garlic and onion, then finely chop. Slice the string beans, eggplant, and pechay; set aside.
In a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the heat is sufficient, fry the fish on both sides until the color changes to golden brown. Take out the fried fish from the skillet and let the oil drain.
On a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil, then saute the garlic and onion. Stir in the shrimp paste for a minute.
Pour in 1 to 1.5 cups of water, or beef broth if available; it is better than water.
Add the toasted ground rice. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add the annatto powder and start with 1/2 teaspoon. Add more if desired.
Stir and cover the pan, and bring it to a boil. Add the peanut butter. Stir well until the peanut butter is fully dissolved.
Add the string beans and eggplant. Cover the pan. After 5 minutes, add the young pechay. Cover the pan. After 3 minutes, stir and mix well to combine.
Put the fried fish into the sauce. Season it with salt and ground pepper to taste then mix. Keep cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.
Taste the sauce. Adjust it as necessary. If salt is needed, add another tablespoon of shrimp paste or salt.
Once cooked, turn off the heat, transfer to a serving dish, and serve hot.
Happy cooking! Share and enjoy the food.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.