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Beef Mechado on a black plate
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4.60 from 5 votes

Beef Mechado

Mechadong Baka is a Filipino-style beef stew made of larded beef chunks, potatoes, and carrots. This beef mechado is a hearty and tasty meal, braised in citrus juice, soy sauce, and tomato sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Entree
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 916kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chuck roast or top round, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • ¼ pound pork fat, cut into thin strips
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • ¼ cup lemon or calamansi juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and cut into cubes
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into cubes
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cut a thin incision in the center of each beef cubes and gently insert a strip of pork fat. Set aside.
  • In a pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and carrots and cook until lightly browned. Remove from pot and drain on paper towels.
  • Remove oil from the pot except for about 2 tablespoons. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
  • Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
  • Add lemon or calamansi juice and soy sauce and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add tomato sauce, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, skimming scum that may float on top.
  • Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours or until beef is tender. If drying out before beef is tender, add additional water in ½ cup increments as needed.
  • Add potatoes and carrots and continue to cook until potatoes are tender and sauce is reduced.
  • Add bell peppers and continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

For larger cuts of beef, chill the lardons until firm and use a larder needle to easily insert into the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 916kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 1482mg | Potassium: 1671mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6370IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 10mg