Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is hearty Filipino comfort food. Tender Beef, tomato-based sauce along with a hint of soy sauce help make the Filipino Beef Mechado a household staple during family gatherings or special occasions. It usually features beef chunks braised to melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with rice steamed. The meaty, mildly tangy sauce along with tender beef make this a crowd pleaser for fans of bold savory tastes.
The real secret to this Filipino Beef Mechado recipe would be the technique of cooking the Beef. The meat is typically seared and smothered with a tomato, onion, garlic along with other sauce. The slow cooking allows the flavors to develop, so the beef is tender yet infused with the sauce. This method makes sure the beef absorbs all the sauce flavors. Also in the Filipino Beef Mechado recipe are frequently potatoes, carrots and bell peppers added to give the dish some texture and also a little sweetness to counter the Beef & sauce.
Also versatile is the Filipino Beef Mechado recipe. Although the classic version calls for beef chuck or brisket, the recipe may be tailored to individual preference or accessibility. Other variations use additional seasonings or ingredients like bay leaves or olives. The inclusion of soy sauce, fish sauce or vinegar provides a lot of Filipino dishes that distinct taste. These subtle taste enhancements make the Filipino Beef Mechado a gratifying dish.
One more reason the Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is well known is because it is practical. The dish is simple to make as it calls for only a couple of basic ingredients present in most markets. The procedure for braising the beef tends to make it comparatively hands-off, so it’s a simple weekend or weeknight meal in case you’ve more time to cook. The Filipino Beef Mechado recipe can also be made in big batches to serve a crowd. Its savory taste is ideal for family dinners or potlucks where guests will like it.
Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is frequently served during family meals and celebrations. It is a warm, comforting dish which draws people together and triggers nostalgia. It’s normally combined with some other Filipino favorites like fried plantains and steamed rice. Its capability to transform basic ingredients into a satisfying and savory dish demonstrates the resourcefulness and imagination in Filipino cooking.
For all those unfamiliar with Filipino food, this Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is an excellent introduction to the bold, sweet flavors of a lot of Filipino dishes. Beef, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables and soy sauce combine for a common taste profile that is comforting. Regardless if you’re brand new to Filipino food or maybe an old professional, this Filipino Beef Mechado recipe will certainly impress. Its rich flavors, tender beef and versatility allow it to be an excellent option for any event – from an easy family meal to a big gathering.
To conclude, Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is a hearty dish which reflects Filipino cuisine. Its tender beef, rich sauce and comforting nature turn it into a favorite in many Filipino homes. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight supper, the Filipino Beef Mechado recipe will gratify the palate of any who attempts it. Easy ingredients and slow-cooked excellence make this a Filipino food classic.
Ingredients For the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
Beef
Lemon Juice
Soy Sauce
Black Pepper
Canola Oil
Garlic
Fish Sauce
Tomato Sauce
Sater
Tabasco
Beef Stock
Bay Leaves
Red Bell Pepper
Russet Potatoes
Carrots
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions For the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
For at least half an hour, marinate the beef in soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Set aside the garlic after browning it in oil.
If needed, brown the beef in batches; save the marinade.
Put the steak back in the pot with the onions and fish sauce (patis). Stir in water and tomato sauce when the onions have wilted. Add the bell pepper, bay leaves, beef stock, two tablespoons of the marinade that was set aside, and Tabasco after about two minutes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add the garlic that was set aside. Place a lid on the saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Add the carrots and potatoes after the meat is soft. Cook for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
To taste, add salt and pepper. Serve with rice.
Helpful Suggestions For the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
The Filipino Beef Mechado recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family meals or special occasions. For best results, use cuts of beef that become tender when slow-cooked, such as chuck or brisket. Marinate the beef overnight in soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon), and garlic to infuse the meat with flavour.
The key to a great Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe is in the sauce, which is made rich with tomatoes and a touch of annatto powder, giving it a vibrant colour and a mild, earthy taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a spoonful of cornstarch or a bit of flour dissolved in water towards the end of cooking. Adding potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers enhances the dish with sweetness and colour. For added depth of flavour, you can stir in a little bit of fish sauce or salt to taste.
If you want to serve the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe with a twist, consider pairing it with steamed rice or bread to soak up the rich sauce. The dish can also be made ahead of time, as it often tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Storage Instructions For the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
To store the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe, first let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the dish into an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The beef will continue to absorb the sauce, making it even more flavorful as it sits. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate the meat and sauce into portions to make reheating easier.
When ready to serve, simply reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheating in a slow cooker is also a good option to ensure the beef remains tender. Be sure to check the seasoning and adjust if necessary, especially after freezing, as the flavours may change slightly. Proper storage will ensure that your Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe retains its delicious taste and texture, even after a few days in the fridge or a few months in the freezer.
FAQ For the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
Question: Can I use a different cut of beef for the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe?
A: Yes, you can use different cuts of beef for the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe. However, it is recommended to use cuts that become tender with slow cooking, such as chuck, brisket, or round.
Question: How can I make the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe spicier?
A: To make the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe spicier, you can add chopped chili peppers or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Question: Can I cook the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe in a pressure cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe in a pressure cooker. This will speed up the cooking time while still producing tender beef. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking times for your pressure cooker model.
Question: How do I prevent the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe from becoming too salty?
A: To prevent the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe from becoming too salty, be mindful of the amount of soy sauce used in the marinade and seasoning. You can always add salt to taste at the end of cooking.
Question: Can I add other vegetables to the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe, such as green beans or peas. Just make sure to add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Best Filipino Beef Mechado Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Beef for stew
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- Black Pepper ground to taste
- 3 tablespoons Canola Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced or crushed
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Sater
- 1/4 tsp Tabasco
- 3 cups Beef Stock
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Red Bell Pepper sliced
- 2 Potatoes Russet peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
- 2 Carrots peeled and chopped in 2 inch pieces
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper fresh ground
Instructions
- For at least half an hour, marinate the beef in soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Set aside the garlic after browning it in oil.
- If needed, brown the beef in batches; save the marinade.
- Put the steak back in the pot with the onions and fish sauce (patis). Stir in water and tomato sauce when the onions have wilted. Add the bell pepper, bay leaves, beef stock, two tablespoons of the marinade that was set aside, and Tabasco after about two minutes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add the garlic that was set aside. Place a lid on the saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the carrots and potatoes after the meat is soft. Cook for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- To taste, add salt and pepper. Serve with rice.