Here’s a simple recipe for Beef Mechado, a classic Filipino dish made with beef, tomato sauce, and vegetables. It’s savory, rich, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the beef cubes, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add salt and pepper. Marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fry the Potatoes:
- Heat 1/4 cup of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the potato slices until golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down and become soft, around 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add the marinated beef to the pan, including the marinade. Sauté the beef until it’s browned on all sides.
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) and tomato sauce. Stir in the tomato paste if using. Add the bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Add more broth or water as needed if the liquid evaporates.
- Add Vegetables:
- About 15 minutes before serving, add the carrots, bell peppers, and fried potatoes into the stew. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove the bay leaves and transfer the dish to a serving bowl. Serve with steamed rice.
Enjoy your Simple Beef Mechado!
