Description
Simple Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with soy sauce and vinegar, enriched by aromatic garlic and onions, and complemented by hearty potatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. This comforting dish is perfect served hot with rice and offers rich, balanced flavors from its slow-cooked, braised preparation.
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 oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent, releasing their flavors into the oil.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides to seal in the juices and add depth to the dish.
- Add the Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer the Beef: Cover the pot and let the beef simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and flavorful, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook uncovered until the vegetables are tender but not mushy, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve: Once the beef and vegetables are tender, remove from heat. Serve the Mechado hot, ideally with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can marinate the beef in soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add green peas or green beans for additional texture and color variation.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid before serving.
- Adjust the vinegar amount to your taste for more tanginess or mellow flavor.
- This dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
