Simple BEEF Mechado

Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Beef Mechado

Making Beef Mechado is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through the process:

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the meat on all sides to lock in the flavor. This step should take about 5–7 minutes, depending on the size of the beef chunks. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This will only take about 3–4 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the garlic should be aromatic but not burnt.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Soy Sauce

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. At this point, you’ll notice the pot starting to have a nice, aromatic base. Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine. The soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor and helps create the signature flavor profile of Beef Mechado.

4. Simmer with Broth and Seasonings

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth (or water) to cover the beef, and then stir in the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low to simmer. Let it cook for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to break apart with a fork. This slow cooking process is what makes Beef Mechado so rich and flavorful.

5. Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add the potatoes and carrots. Stir in the sliced potatoes and carrots, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Continue simmering for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. The potatoes will soak up the savory tomato broth, adding a creamy texture to the stew.

6. Season to Taste

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want to add more complexity to the flavor, you can include a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce at this stage. For an extra burst of flavor, some people also like to add sliced green bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, and the flavors have melded together, your Beef Mechado is ready to be served. Transfer the beef and vegetables to a serving dish, making sure to spoon plenty of the rich tomato sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Mechado

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: As mentioned, cuts like chuck, brisket, or sirloin tips are best for Beef Mechado because they have enough fat to keep the meat juicy and tender as it cooks. Tougher cuts like round or flank may work, but they could become tough if not cooked long enough.
• Sear the Beef Well: Browning the beef before simmering helps create a deeper flavor profile. Don’t rush this step, as it contributes to the richness of the sauce.
• Let it Simmer Slowly: Patience is key when cooking Beef Mechado. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become. Make sure to cook the beef on low heat to prevent it from drying out or toughening.
• Make it Ahead: Like many stews, Beef Mechado tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. You can easily prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy later.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or even green beans to make the dish even heartier and more flavorful.
• Larding Option: For an authentic touch, you can still follow the traditional method of larding the beef. Simply insert small strips of pork fat into the beef chunks with a skewer, allowing the fat to slowly melt and infuse the meat with moisture during the cooking process.

Conclusion

Beef Mechado is a comforting Filipino dish that brings together the savory flavors of beef, tomatoes, and hearty vegetables in a delicious, slow-cooked stew. This simple version of Beef Mechado is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this classic dish that will surely please the whole family.

Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll be enjoying a warm, aromatic bowl of Beef Mechado that’s bursting with flavor! Whether you serve it with rice, crusty bread, or even noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.