Beef Afritada
Beef Afritada with fork-tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Hearty and delicious, this Filipino beef stew is always a family favorite.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 570kcal
Ingredients
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into cubes
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2- inch cubes
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and carrots and cook, turning once or twice until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Remove oil from the pan except for about 2 tablespoons. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 45 seconds. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Increase heat to medium-high heat. Add beef and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring regularly until softened.
- Add beef.
- Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir until well distributed and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours or until beef is tender. Add more water in ½ cup increments as needed if the sauce is drying out before the meat is tender.
- Add potatoes and carrots and continue to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced as desired.
- Add bell peppers and cook for about 1 minute or until tender yet crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cut the ingredients in uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels, as the excess moisture will create steam and keep the meat from developing a caramelized crust.
- Sear the beef properly. Brown on medium-high heat, and do not overcrowd the pan. Be patient and give the meat time to sear before turning.
Nutrition
Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 1718mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3360IU | Vitamin C: 58.1mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 10mg