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Beef Mechado Recipe and Guide: A Hearty Filipino Classic
Beef Mechado is a beloved Filipino dish that embodies the perfect harmony of rich flavors and tender beef, slow-cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce. This hearty stew is a comfort food favorite for many Filipinos, often reserved for special occasions or Sunday family lunches. Its origins trace back to Spanish influences, making it a culinary heritage that has evolved through generations.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history, ingredients, preparation, and cooking tips for making the ultimate Beef Mechado. Plus, you’ll learn how to customize it to your taste while preserving its authentic essence.
A Brief History of Mechado
The word “Mechado” originates from the Spanish term mecha, meaning “wick.” Traditional Mechado involved larding beef chunks with strips of pork fat, resembling a candle wick, to keep the meat juicy during cooking. Over time, this technique was adapted, but the dish retained its name and essence.
Modern Beef Mechado eliminates the larding process but emphasizes the same tenderness and flavor by slow-cooking beef with a savory tomato sauce. It’s often compared to other Filipino stews like kaldereta or afritada, but Mechado stands out for its distinct combination of citrus, soy sauce, and bay leaf flavors.
Ingredients for Beef Mechado
To prepare a classic Beef Mechado, you’ll need the following:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef chuck or brisket, cut into large cubes
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup liver spread or pâté (for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Green peas (for added texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Begin by selecting a well-marbled cut of beef like chuck or brisket, as these cuts become tender after slow cooking. Wash the beef thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with soy sauce and calamansi juice. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step infuses the meat with a savory and tangy flavor base.
3. Sear the Meat
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and the seared beef. Bring to a simmer.
6. Slow Cook
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add Vegetables
Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Then, stir in the bell peppers and cook for 5 more minutes.
8. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar if needed. For a richer flavor, you can stir in liver spread or pâté at this stage.
9. Serve
Transfer the Beef Mechado to a serving bowl and garnish with green peas or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with steamed white rice for the ultimate Filipino meal.
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