Master the Art of Cooking Mechado Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByErick Benitez

Do you find yourself craving a hearty and flavorful Filipino dish? Look no further than the classic and beloved Mechado beef. This traditional stew is made with tender chunks of beef, simmered in a rich sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and other savory spices. Whether you’re a new cook or have been in the kitchen for years, mastering the art of cooking Mechado beef can seem daunting. But fear not, because this article will guide you through step-by-step on how to cook this delicious and comforting dish. So grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s get cooking!

The History of Mechado Beef

Mechado beef is a traditional Filipino dish, often considered the country’s national beef stew. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been passed down from generation to generation. The dish’s name comes from the word “Mecha,” which means wick in Spanish, and “Estofado,” which means stewed in Spanish.

The history of Mechado beef goes back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. During this time, the Spaniards introduced their cuisine to the island, along with their cooking techniques and ingredients. One of these ingredients was tomato sauce, which was not commonly used in Filipino cooking before. As time passed, Filipinos began incorporating tomato sauce into their dishes, including Mechado beef.

There are many variations of Mechado beef across different regions of the Philippines. In some regions, it is made with pork or chicken instead of beef. However, no matter what protein is used, one thing remains consistent – it is a savory and comforting dish that brings people together.

Ingredients Used in Mechado Beef

To make a delicious Mechado beef stew, you will need some basic ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores or markets. These include:

– 2lbs of beef chuck or round, cut into cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
– 3 bay leaves
– 3 potatoes cut into cubes
– 2 carrots sliced into rounds
– Salt and black pepper to taste

While these are the main ingredients used in Mechado beef, some variations may also include other vegetables such as bell peppers or green peas for added flavor and texture.

Preparing and Cooking Mechado Beef

To make Mechado beef, you begin by marinating the beef with soy sauce, calamansi juice, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes. While the meat is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables by chopping the onions and mincing the garlic.

Once marinated, heat up a large pot over medium-high heat and add in some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add in your beef and stir until it browns on all sides. Next, add in your onions and garlic and stir together until fragrant. Then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, along with the bay leaves.

Let the stew simmer for about two hours over low heat until the beef becomes tender. You can now add in your potatoes and carrots and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until they are soft.

As a final step, you can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding salt and black pepper. When serving Mechado beef, it is best paired with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Why Does Everyone Love Mechado Beef?

There are several reasons why this traditional Filipino dish has gained so much love over time. One reason is that it is a comforting dish that not only satisfies hunger but warms hearts as well. Another reason may be its versatility as it can be made with different types of meat or even seafood for those who don’t eat red meat.

Perhaps one of the main reasons why everyone loves Mechado beef is that it represents Filipino culture and traditions through its rich history. It also brings people together around a warm bowl of hearty stew.

Variations of Mechado Beef

As mentioned earlier, there are many variations of this dish across different regions of the Philippines. For example, some provinces use pork instead of beef due to it being cheaper and readily available. Some versions also include green peas and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

In some regions, the soy sauce is replaced with fish sauce or patis, which adds a unique salty and umami taste to the dish. The marinade may also include additional ingredients like lemongrass, cinnamon, or vinegar for a more complex flavor.

Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy a meat-free version of Mechado by using tofu or seitan as a substitute for the beef. The vegetables used in the dish can also be customized according to personal preference, such as using sweet potatoes or mushrooms in place of potatoes and carrots.

Mechado beef is more than just a dish; it’s a representation of Filipino heritage and culture. It has stood the test of time, evolving with different variations while remaining true to its roots. The combination of tender meat, tangy tomato sauce, and flavorful spices make Mechado beef a beloved dish not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Whether shared over a special occasion or enjoyed as a comfort food on a rainy day, this hearty stew will continue to bring people together for years to come.

What is Mechado Beef?

Mechado beef, also known as beef mechado, is a hearty and flavorful Filipino beef dish. It is a stew made with slowly simmered tender pieces of beef in a rich and tangy tomato sauce. This dish originated from the Spanish colonizers who introduced their cooking methods to the Philippines.

The main flavor of mechado comes from a combination of soy sauce, calamansi juice or lemon juice, and tomato sauce. Other traditional ingredients include garlic, onions, bay leaves, and potatoes. These are readily available in most Filipino households making mechado a popular dish among families.

Mechado’s popularity also stems from its versatility as it can be enjoyed with various side dishes like steamed rice or bread. It can also be served along with other Filipino dishes at special occasions like fiestas and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Mechado Beef

To make mechado beef at home, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 kilogram beef chunks (commonly used cuts are round or chuck steak)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • oil for cooking
  • 3 medium-sized potatoes, quartered

    You can also add other ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, and green peas according to your preference.

    The key to making delicious mechado lies in marinating the beef in the soy sauce and calamansi juice or lemon juice mixture for an hour before cooking. This will make the meat more flavorful and tender.

    Cooking Mechado Beef

    Once you have all your ingredients, here’s how you can cook mechado beef:

    1. In a large bowl, marinate the beef in soy sauce and calamansi juice or lemon juice mixture. Let it sit for an hour at room temperature.
    2. In a pot or pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
    3. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until fragrant.
    4. Add marinated beef chunks and cook until brown on all sides (around 3-5 minutes).
    5. Add bay leaves and tomato sauce. Mix well.
    6. Cover the pot or pan and let it simmer for about an hour or until the meat is tender.
    7. Once the beef is tender, add quartered potatoes to the pot or pan. Cover again and let it cook until potatoes are soft (around another 10 minutes).
      < li >Season with salt and pepper to taste.< / li >
      < li >Simmer for another minute then turn off the heat.< / li >

      Your mechado beef is ready to be served! This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables if you want to add more nutrients to your meal.

      Tips for a Delicious Mechado Beef

      To achieve the perfect mechado beef, here are some tips to keep in mind:

      • Use good quality beef that has a decent amount of fat as this will give more flavor to the sauce.
      • Marinate the beef for at least an hour before cooking to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor.
      • Cut the beef into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
      • For a healthier option, you can use leaner cuts of beef and reduce the amount of oil used in cooking.
      • Adjust the amount of soy sauce, calamansi juice or lemon juice, tomato sauce, and other ingredients according to your taste preference.
      • If using additional vegetables, make sure to add them towards the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
      • You can also cook mechado in a slow cooker for a more convenient and hands-free way of cooking. Just add all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

        Variations of Mechado Beef

        While mechado beef is traditionally made with beef chunks, there are variations that use other protein sources such as chicken or pork. These versions are commonly known as chicken mechado or pork mechado.

        Some regions in the

        Q: What is Mechado Beef?
        A: Mechado beef is a popular Filipino dish made from beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce.

        Q: What are the ingredients needed to cook Mechado Beef?
        A: The main ingredients for Mechado Beef are beef, tomato sauce, soy sauce, onions, garlic, and potatoes.

        Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of beef for Mechado?
        A: Yes, you can also use pork or chicken to make Mechado, although the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use.

        Q: How do I prepare the beef for Mechado?
        A: To prepare the beef for Mechado, cut it into bite-sized cubes and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon) juice, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

        Q: Do I need to brown the beef before stewing?
        A: It is recommended to brown the beef before stewing as this gives it more flavor and helps seal in the juices. However, if you are short on time, you can skip this step.

        Q: How long does it take to cook Mechado Beef?
        A: It usually takes about 1.5-2 hours to cook Mechado Beef until the meat is tender. However, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time.

        In conclusion, learning how to cook Mechado beef can seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it is a dish that anyone can master. This Filipino comfort food has been passed down from generation to generation and remains a beloved staple in many households. By properly marinating the meat, using the right combination of spices, and properly cooking it over low heat, one can achieve the perfect balance of flavors that make Mechado so delicious. Additionally, using high-quality beef and fresh vegetables is crucial in creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

        Not only is Mechado beef a delicious dish, but it also holds cultural significance. It represents the fusion of Spanish and Filipino cuisine that dates back to colonial times. By learning how to cook Mechado beef, one can not only nourish their body but also connect with their cultural roots.

        Furthermore, cooking Mechado beef is not just about following a recipe; it is a journey of experimenting with different combinations of ingredients to find what works best for personal taste. With practice and patience, one can develop their own unique version of this classic dish.

        In today’s fast-paced world where convenience foods dominate our meals, knowing how to cook traditional dishes like Mechado beef not only provides us with a delicious option but also honors our heritage

        Author Profile

        Erick Benitez
        Erick Benitez
        In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

        The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

        Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

        Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

        Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.