HomeRecipes Filipino Food Pinoy-Style Mechado: A Hearty Filipino Beef Stew
26 January, 2021

Pinoy-Style Mechado: A Hearty Filipino Beef Stew

Posted in : Filipino Food on by : Good Food

This post contains affiliate links.  Please refer to our disclosure for more information.

Pinoy-Style Mechado: A Hearty Filipino Beef Stew

Mechado, a beloved Filipino dish, showcases the rich flavors of tender beef simmered in a hearty tomato-based sauce with hints of tanginess and sweetness. This comforting stew is a favorite in many Filipino households, often served during gatherings and special occasions. Let’s explore how to create this classic Pinoy-style Mechado.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (about 1 kg) beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons calamansi or lemon juice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 large carrot, sliced into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until it develops a golden crust. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Simmer Beef in Sauce:
    • Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
    • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef becomes tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Vegetables:
    • After the beef has simmered, add the carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper. Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender yet slightly firm.
  5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
    • Taste the Mechado and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or calamansi/lemon juice if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
  6. Serve Warm:
    • Transfer the Pinoy-style Mechado to a serving dish. This flavorful stew is best enjoyed hot and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Tips:

  • Beef Selection: Choose beef chuck or other stewing beef cuts with marbling for tenderness and flavor.
  • Variations: Some versions of Mechado include adding green peas or olives for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Mechado often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a great dish for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts:

Pinoy-style Mechado encapsulates the warmth and comfort of Filipino cooking—a hearty stew that combines tender beef, tangy tomatoes, and a medley of vegetables. This classic dish is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace that brings families and friends together, celebrating the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. Prepare this Mechado with love and savor the rich flavors that evoke cherished memories and the essence of Filipino home cooking.

recipeforus.com