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Mechadong Baka (Filipino Beef Mechado)

A recipe for Mechadong Baka (Filipino Beef Mechado). This tomato-based stew is filled with pieces of tender beef and vegetables.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 4 -6 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pound (680 grams) beef chuck roast cut into 2 inch (5 centimeter) pieces
  • 1/4 pound (113 grams) pork fat optional, cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) calamansi or lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 potatoes peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) pieces
  • 2 carrots peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper stem and seeds removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper stem and seeds removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) pieces
  • Steamed rice for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. If using, cut a small hole in the center of each piece of beef and add a strip of pork fat.
  2. Place the prepared beef in a large bowl and add the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 1-3 hours.
  3. In a large pot, drizzle the oil over medium heat.
  4. Once hot, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  5. Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  6. Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and add to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  7. Add the water, tomato sauce, reserved marinade, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, until the beef is tender.
  9. Add the potato, carrot, and bell pepper pieces. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve hot with steamed rice.