How Many Calories Are in Karekare? The Surprising Answer Depends on the Recipe

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie content of Karekare, the beloved Filipino stew, can range from under 400 to over 700 calories per serving, depending heavily on the ingredients and preparation. This rich and savory dish, known for its thick peanut sauce and tender meat, is not a one-size-fits-all meal when it comes to nutrition.

Quick Summary

Karekare's calorie count varies widely based on ingredients, meat type (oxtail vs. pork), and serving size, with numbers from 300 to over 700 kcal per serving.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in Karekare can range from approximately 300 to over 700 kcal per serving, depending heavily on the ingredients used.
Protein's Role: The choice of protein, such as fatty oxtail versus leaner chicken or vegetables, is a primary driver of the dish's calorie content.
Peanut Sauce Impact: The calorie-dense peanut butter used in the sauce is a significant source of fat and calories that can be moderated by recipe adjustments.
Recipe Adjustments: Modifications like using leaner meat, reducing peanut butter, and adding more vegetables can lower the overall calorie count.
Serving Size Matters: A recipe's stated calorie count depends on the serving size; ensure consistent portioning to accurately track intake.
Healthy Alternative: A vegetable-based Karekare offers a significantly lower-calorie and zero-cholesterol option compared to meat-based versions.

Karekare is a classic Filipino stew known for its rich, savory peanut sauce and tender meat, typically oxtail, tripe, or pork. This dish, beloved for its comforting flavor, is a frequent topic of discussion among those monitoring their caloric intake. The reality is that there is no single answer to how many calories are in Karekare, as the total can vary drastically based on the specific recipe, cuts of meat, and preparation method used.

The Key Factors Influencing Karekare Calories

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of a Karekare dish. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed dietary choices or adjust a recipe to better fit your needs.

Type of Protein

The protein source is perhaps the most significant determinant of Karekare's calorie content. Traditionally, oxtail is used, which is a fatty cut of beef. Other common variations use pork or tripe, which also have high-fat content. Alternatively, a vegetable-only version or one with lean meat like chicken breast can substantially lower the calorie load.

Peanut Sauce Base

The thick, luscious peanut sauce is central to Karekare's flavor. The primary ingredient, peanut butter, is high in calories and fat. The amount of oil used to sauté the base and the richness of the peanut paste will directly impact the total fat and calorie count of the dish.

Preparation Method

How the Karekare is cooked also plays a role. Frying or searing the meat in oil before braising will increase the fat content. Similarly, adding extra cooking oil or thickening the sauce with more peanut paste adds calories. Some recipes even include additional high-calorie ingredients, such as crunchy chicharon (pork cracklings), to garnish the final dish.

Serving Size

Serving size is another crucial, yet often overlooked, variable. What one recipe considers a single serving might differ greatly from another. A 10oz serving of oxtail Karekare could have around 351 calories, while another recipe might suggest a larger serving, pushing the total higher. A larger or smaller portion will naturally affect the total calorie intake.

Calorie Comparison: Traditional vs. Healthy Karekare

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of approximate calorie and macronutrient counts for different Karekare variations based on data from various recipes and nutritional trackers.


Nutrient Breakdown	Traditional Oxtail Karekare	Crispy Pork Karekare	Vegetable Karekare
Calories (per serving)	350 - 700+ kcal	~464 kcal	~300 kcal
Fat (per serving)	High (Oxtail is fatty)	36.1 g	12 g
Protein (per serving)	High (from meat)	21.7 g	36 g
Carbohydrates (per serving)	Varies	14.4 g	20 g
Cholesterol	Contains cholesterol (from meat)	Contains cholesterol (from meat)	0 mg

How to Make a Lighter Karekare

For those who love Karekare but are looking to reduce the calorie count, several modifications can be made without sacrificing flavor.

Choose a Leaner Protein: Substitute fatty oxtail or pork with leaner alternatives like chicken breast, seafood, or firm tofu.
Use Light Peanut Butter: Opt for a natural or low-fat peanut butter, or consider reducing the total amount used in the sauce.
Add More Vegetables: Increase the proportion of healthy vegetables like bok choy, eggplant, and string beans to make the dish more filling and nutrient-dense while keeping calories low.
Skim Excess Fat: For recipes using fatty meats, chill the stew and skim the hardened fat from the top before reheating and serving.
Use Less Oil: Reduce the amount of oil used during the sautéing process.

A Simple Lighter Karekare Recipe

This recipe provides a starting point for creating a lower-calorie Karekare.

Protein: Sliced lean chicken breast or firm tofu instead of oxtail or pork.
Peanut Sauce: Combine natural, unsweetened peanut butter with a moderate amount of chicken broth and a pinch of ground toasted rice to thicken, rather than using a large amount of a high-sugar paste.
Vegetables: Use generous amounts of blanched bok choy, eggplant, and string beans.
Seasoning: Use less bagoong (shrimp paste) and opt for a low-sodium version to control sodium content, which also impacts overall health.

By carefully selecting ingredients and adjusting portion sizes, you can create a delicious and satisfying Karekare that fits within your dietary goals. For further healthy eating inspiration, you can explore other resources like the National Institutes of Health recipe guide which features a vegetable-based Karekare.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in Karekare is not a simple task due to the wide array of preparation methods and ingredients. From a high-calorie oxtail version to a low-calorie vegetable stew, the dish is highly adaptable. Key factors like the choice of meat, amount of peanut sauce, and cooking techniques all contribute to the final nutritional profile. By making strategic adjustments, you can still enjoy this flavorful Filipino classic while managing your caloric and fat intake effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Karekare serving, especially with oxtail, can range from 350 to over 700 calories, but this can be much lower with vegetarian versions.

Karekare can be high in calories, particularly due to the fatty meat and rich peanut sauce. However, its caloric density is dependent on the specific ingredients and preparation.

To reduce calories, you can use leaner cuts of meat like chicken or seafood, reduce the amount of peanut butter, and increase the proportion of vegetables.

Oxtail Karekare typically has a much higher calorie count due to the fat in the meat, while vegetable Karekare can be significantly lower, with some versions having around 300 calories per serving.

Yes, serving Karekare with rice will increase the total calorie count of the meal, as rice provides additional carbohydrates. The amount depends on the portion of rice.

While traditional Karekare can be high in fat and calories, it also provides protein and micronutrients from meat and vegetables. Making adjustments to the recipe, such as using leaner protein and more vegetables, can make it a healthier option.

The amount of oil used to sauté ingredients and fry meat will increase the total fat and calorie count. Opting for less oil or healthier oils can help manage this.