Mechado

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into large cubes
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into chunks
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp fish sauce (patis) or salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, marinate beef with soy sauce and calamansi (or lemon juice) for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and tomatoes until soft and aromatic.
  4. Return the beef, then add tomato sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beef is tender. Add more broth/water if needed.
  6. Add potatoes and carrots. Cook until vegetables are almost tender.
  7. Add bell pepper, then season with fish sauce or salt to taste.
  8. Simmer for 5 more minutes until everything is cooked through.
  9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Would you like me to also give you a quick stovetop version (under 1 hour) or keep it as the traditional slow-cooked style?

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