Simple BEEF Mechado

Simple Beef Mechado Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g beef (chuck or brisket), cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the beef
   Combine beef, soy sauce, and calamansi/lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sauté aromatics
   Heat oil in a pot. Cook garlic and onion until fragrant and soft.
3. Brown the beef
   Add the marinated beef (reserve marinade). Sear until lightly browned.
4. Simmer
   Pour in the tomato sauce, reserved marinade, water/broth, and bay leaves.
   Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until beef is tender.
5. Add vegetables
   Toss in potatoes and carrots. Cook for 10–15 minutes.
   Add bell pepper last and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Season
   Add sugar (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.