Beef Mechado

Mechado is one of the many dishes that’s Spanish in origin.  Tougher cuts of beef were used because it was cheaper in making this stew. To make up for the marbling, a strip of fat is inserted in the middle of the meat before cooking to keep it moist as it braises in the liquid. This is called larding. When I was a child, I saw my grandma do this once but I wasn’t aware of its culinary importance at that time. I just remembered it was neatly sliced (and arranged) with a speck of fat in the middle when it was served.

My mom taught me how to cook this but I tweaked it a bit to my family’s liking. Fattier cuts of beef like brisket is perfect for this recipe. It helps in keeping the meat moist and because of its marbling, the beef is succulent and tender after braising. You can also use other parts like the chuck or the eye of round but make sure you pick the ones with a fat cap. Lean cuts dry out when cooked over a long period of time. 

While it simmers, the tomatoes will thicken and create a flavorful sauce as it marries with the meat juices. Though this can be done in the pressure cooker in less than half the time, cooking it low and slow makes a far superior stew. So take your time and let it simmer until it’s incredibly tender and its sauce is reduced to a beautiful gravy. You won’t regret it, I promise. 

Beef Mechado

Pam @ PinoyBites.com

This Spanish-influenced, tomato-based braised beef turns tougher cuts of meat into a tender and flavorsome dish that’s a favorite among Filipinos.

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino, Spanish

Ingredients

  

• 2 to 2 ½ lbs beef cubes brisket or fattier eye of round* see Notes
• 1 Tablespoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 4 to matoes chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cups water** see Notes
• 2-3 Yukon gold potatoes quartered
• 1 big carrot cut in chunks like the potatoes
• 1 big red bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and marinate for 10-20 minutes. Drain the liquid, if any.
• Heat the oil in a large pot (with lid) using MED-HI heat. Sear the meat (in 2 batches to avoid crowding the pan) on both sides until it starts to caramelize. Transfer to a bowl and repeat until all the meat cubes are seared. Add one more tablespoon of oil if needed for the second batch.
• Using the same pot, add the onions and scrape all the brown bits at the bottom . Add the garlic, then the fresh tomatoes. Stir for 2 minutes to release the juice from the tomatoes. Then, stir in the tomato paste and bay leaves.
• Pour in the water and the soy sauce. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the meat is tender.
• Turn the heat up to medium and add the potatoes and carrots. Once the potatoes are tender, add the peppers. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

*Cuts of beef with some fats are preferred, if available.

**Add ½ cup more water if the cooking liquid is drying up before the meat is tender.

Keyword beef, dinner, meat, stew