Ah, Beef Mechado! 😋 That’s a classic Filipino dish. Let me break it down for you:
What it is:
Beef Mechado is a type of braised beef stew. The beef is usually marinated, browned, and then simmered slowly in a tomato-based sauce until it becomes tender. It’s called “Mechado” because traditional recipes used to insert strips of pork fat into the beef (like “mecha” or wick) to keep it juicy, though this is optional now.
Main Ingredients:
- Beef (typically chuck or brisket)
- Tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Onions and garlic
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar (sometimes)
- Potatoes and carrots (common additions)
- Bay leaves, peppercorns, and other seasonings
How it’s usually served:
- Hot, with steamed white rice
- Sometimes garnished with sliced green onions or bell peppers
It’s savory, slightly tangy, and hearty, perfect for rainy days or family meals.
If you want, I can give you a step-by-step simple recipe so you could try making Beef Mechado at home. Do you want me to do that?
