Beef Mechado

Discover this authentic Filipino Beef Mechado recipe — a rewarding dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with garlic, onion, beef and 9 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 5 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 75 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this filipino classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026
3 views

15

Prep Time (min)

60

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Beef Mechado

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 sliced Onion
  • 2 Lbs Beef
  • 8 ounces Tomato Puree
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 tbs Olive Oil
  • 1 Slice Lemon
  • 1 large Potatoes
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • To taste Salt

Instructions

5 steps · ~48 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Make the beef tenderloin marinade by combining soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, olive oil, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.

    3 minutes
    For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2

    Add the cubed beef tenderloin to the bowl with the beef tenderloin marinade. Gently toss to coat the beef. Let it stay for 1 hour.

    3 minutes
    For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3

    Using a metal or bamboo skewer, assemble the beef kebob by skewering the vegetables and marinated beef tenderloin.

    30 minutes
    For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4

    Heat-up the grill and start grilling the beef kebobs for 3 minutes per side. This will give you a medium beef that is juicy and tender on the inside. Add more time if you want your beef well done, but it will be less tender.

    10 minutes
    Oil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5

    Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with Saffron rice. Share and enjoy!

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Filipino recipe for Beef Mechado is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Filipino cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your filipino meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Beef Mechado is a beloved dish from Filipino cuisine, originating in Philippines. With a total preparation time of about 75 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Filipino cuisine reflects the country's rich history and multicultural influences — Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American. It is known for its bold, savory-sweet flavor profiles.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Beef Mechado, the best cuts of beef are typically chuck roast or brisket. These cuts are well-marbled and become tender when slow-cooked.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium676mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineFilipino
CategoryDinner
CountryPhilippines