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Beef Mechado Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 66 reviews

This traditional Filipino Beef Mechado is a hearty, slow-simmered stew featuring tender beef chunks marinated in soy sauce and calamansi, cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables for a rich, comforting meal.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef (cut into 2-inch chunks)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons calamansi or lemon juice
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1½ chunks)
  • 2–3 medium potatoes (cut into 1½ chunks)
  • 2 medium carrots (cut into 1½ chunks)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 cups water or beef broth
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • Fish sauce (to taste)
  • Neutral oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate Beef: Marinate beef with soy sauce and calamansi or lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Sear Vegetables: Sear potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper in oil until lightly browned. Season with salt and set aside.
  3. Sear Beef: Sear beef in batches, adding more oil as needed. Set aside and keep the marinade.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add crushed red pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaves; cook for a few minutes.
  5. Add Beef and Liquids: Return beef and marinade to the pot. Add enough water to almost cover, then scrape the bottom.
  6. Simmer Beef: Bring to a boil. Simmer and cover for about 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
  7. Add Vegetables: Add the vegetables and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until tender.
  8. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with sugar, fish sauce, or Knorr/Maggi seasoning. Serve with steamed rice.

Notes

  • Marinate beef for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  • Searing vegetables adds extra depth and texture.
  • Simmer beef slowly to ensure tenderness.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste.

Keywords: Beef Mechado, Filipino beef stew, slow simmer beef recipe, traditional Filipino stew, hearty beef stew

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/beef-mechado-recipe/