Mechado Filipino Beef Stew

Step 1

Marinate beef in soy sauce, lemon, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

Brown garlic in oil and set aside.

Step 3

Brown beef, working in batches if necessary (reserve the marinade).

Step 4

Return beef to pot, add onions and season with fish sauce (patis).

Step 5

When the onions are wilted, add tomato sauce and water and stir.

Step 6

After about two minutes, add Tabasco, beef stock, 2 tablespoons of reserved marinade, bay leaves and bell pepper.

Step 7

Let come to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Add reserved garlic. Cover the pot with the lid, and let it stew for about 1 1/2 hours (see notes), stirring occasionally.

Step 8

When the meat is tender, add potatoes and carrots. Continue cooking until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes more.

Step 9

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice.