Description
Simple Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender beef cubes simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with soy sauce and vinegar, enriched with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. This comforting dish brings together savory and tangy flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Liquids
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides to develop flavor, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer beef: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve the beef mechado hot with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the beef cut to ensure tenderness.
- You can add bay leaves for extra aroma.
- Potatoes can be substituted with sweet potatoes for a different taste.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered and stir occasionally.
