Ingredients
- 1 kg Beefcut into 2-inch pcs
- 1 Onionchopped
- 4 cloves Garlicminced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Ground Bay Leaves
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 cup Cooking Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 2 Potatoespeeled and cut into chunks
- 2 Carrotpeeled and cut into chunks
Directions
Mechado is a popular Filipino dish that features tender pieces of beef cooked in a savory tomato sauce. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd. The dish is named after the Spanish word “mechado,” which refers to the technique of piercing the meat with a long kitchen needle to allow the flavors of the sauce to penetrate deep into the meat.
The dish is made with beef, onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices, including salt, pepper, paprika, sugar, and ground bay leaves. The beef is first marinated in this mixture for several hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. The marinated beef is then browned in a pan with oil, before being simmered in a mixture of water and the remaining marinade until tender.
The addition of potatoes and carrots to the stew adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish. The vegetables absorb the rich, savory flavors of the sauce as they cook, making them an integral part of the dish. The finished dish is a delicious combination of tender, juicy beef, and soft, flavorful vegetables in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce.
Served over a bed of steaming hot rice, Mechado is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s for a special occasion, or just a family dinner, this delicious stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The dish requires basic cooking skills and ingredients that are easily available in most kitchens. The steps are straightforward, and the most time-consuming part of the process is waiting for the beef to cook until it’s tender. The dish is perfect for home cooks who want to make a delicious and hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. However, the marination process and the need to brown the beef beforehand can be a bit time-consuming, making it a medium-difficulty dish for some.
Preparation time for Philippine Mechado: 20-30 minutes
Marinating time for Philippine Mechado: 2 hours to overnight (for best results)
Cooking time for Philippine Mechado: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
Total time for Philippine Mechado: 3 hours to 2 and a half hours (including marination time)
Steps
1 Done | In a large bowl, mix together the beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, sugar, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, and tomato sauce. |
2 Done | In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned on all sides. |
3 Done | Pour in the water, cover the pan and simmer until the beef is tender, about 1 hour. |
4 Done | Add the potatoes and carrots and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes. |
5 Done | Serve hot with rice. |
