🥘 BEEF Mechado – Filipino Comfort Food at Its Best! 😋
Tender beef chunks simmered in a rich tomato-soy sauce base with veggies and bold spices—this hearty stew is a weeknight winner and a Sunday classic rolled into one!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef chunks
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For sautéing & simmering:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- Cooking oil
- 180g tomato sauce
- 1 beef broth cube
- 1 Thai chili (optional, for heat)
- 4 pcs bay leaves
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Mix well and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a deep pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
- Add the marinated beef (reserve marinade) to the pan and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add bay leaves and the reserved marinade, stir, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer in Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, then add 2 cups water, beef broth cube, and Thai chili.
- Stir well, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- (Add more water as needed during simmering.)
5. Add the Vegetables:
- Add carrots and potatoes. Cook until they are soft and tender.
- Stir in the bell peppers and simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve Hot & Enjoy!
Best served with steamed rice for a complete, hearty meal.
Optional: Top with chopped parsley or chili flakes for extra flair!
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 4–5
- Tags: #BeefMechado #FilipinoFood #ComfortFood #MomshieBrown101
