Beef Mechado recipe

Beef Mechado

by @flovan4ever
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
2hr 30min
Total Time
3hr

Beef Mechado is a popular Filipino dish known for its tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, often with potatoes and carrots.

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • 2lb
    beef (chuck or brisket), cut into cubes
  • 1/4cup
    soy sauce
  • 1/4cup
    vinegar
  • 1/4cup
    vegetable oil
  • 1piece
    onion, sliced
  • 4clove
    garlic, minced
  • 2cup
    beef broth or water
  • 1can
    diced tomatoes (400g)
  • 3piece
    medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 3piece
    medium carrots, sliced
  • 1piece
    bay leaf
  • 1tbsp
    sugar (optional)
  • 1/4cup
    olives (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Additional water as needed

How to make Beef Mechado

Marinate the Beef

  1. Combine the beef, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Sauté Aromatics

  1. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Brown the Beef

  1. Add the marinated beef (reserve the marinade) to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides.

Add Liquid

  1. Pour in the reserved marinade, beef broth (or water), diced tomatoes, and add the bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Simmer

  1. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally, adding more water if the sauce gets too thick.

Add Vegetables

  1. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Final Seasoning

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if desired. If using, add olives towards the end of cooking.

Serve

  1. Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a richer flavor, marinate the beef overnight.

  2. You can use beef broth for a more flavorful sauce, but water works as well.

  3. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if it gets too thick.