How To Cook Beef Mechado In Pressure Cooker

Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino dish that is known for its rich and flavorful sauce. Traditionally, it is cooked slowly over low heat for hours to allow the meat to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. However, with a pressure cooker, you can achieve the same results in a fraction of the time.

Making Beef Mechado in a pressure cooker is incredibly easy and convenient. The pressure cooker allows you to tenderize the meat quickly while infusing it with the taste of the marinade and spices. Whether you are a busy professional or a home cook looking for a delicious meal with minimal effort, this pressure cooker recipe is perfect for you.

To make Beef Mechado in a pressure cooker, you will need a few key ingredients like beef chuck roast, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The pressure cooker locks in the moisture and flavors, resulting in a tender and succulent beef dish that will impress your family and friends.

So, if you’re looking to make a hearty and flavorful Filipino dish in a fraction of the time, give this Beef Mechado recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Preparation:

Before starting the cooking process for beef mechado in a pressure cooker, it’s important to properly prepare all the ingredients. This will ensure that the dish turns out delicious and the cooking process goes smoothly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for cooking beef mechado in a pressure cooker.

Gather the Ingredients:

The first step is to gather all the ingredients required for this recipe. This includes:

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil

Prepare the Ingredients:

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Follow these steps:

• Trim any excess fat from the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper.
• Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrot and red bell pepper.
• In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Set aside.

By properly preparing the ingredients, you will have everything ready to start cooking the beef mechado in a pressure cooker. This will make the cooking process quicker and more efficient.

Ingredients for Beef Mechado

For a delicious beef mechado dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 1 kilogram of beef, cut into cubes

2. 2 tablespoons of cooking oil

3. 1 onion, chopped

4. 4 cloves of garlic, minced

5. 1 red bell pepper, sliced

6. 1 green bell pepper, sliced

7. 2 cups of tomato sauce

8. 1 cup of beef broth

9. 3 tablespoons of soy sauce

10. 2 tablespoons of calamansi juice

11. 2 bay leaves

12. Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Enjoy your beef mechado!

Steps for Cooking Beef Mechado

To cook beef mechado in a pressure cooker, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • 2 pounds of beef, cut into chunks
   • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
   • 1 onion, chopped
   • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
   • 1 cup of tomato sauce
   • 1 cup of beef broth
   • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon of calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
   • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Heat the cooking oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat.

3. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.

4. Add the beef chunks to the pressure cooker and brown them on all sides.

5. Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and calamansi juice.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Close the pressure cooker and lock the lid.

8. Cook the beef mechado on high pressure for 25 minutes.

9. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

10. Add the sliced red bell pepper to the pressure cooker and cook for an additional 5 minutes, without using the pressure.

11. Open the pressure cooker and give the beef mechado a good stir.

12. Serve the beef mechado hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this flavorful and hearty Filipino dish!

Serving Suggestions for Beef Mechado

Beef Mechado is a hearty and flavorful Filipino dish that is perfect for special occasions or weekend dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your Beef Mechado experience:

1. White Rice

Beef Mechado is traditionally served with steamed white rice. The tender beef and rich tomato sauce of the Mechado complement the plain white rice perfectly. The rice helps to balance out the flavors and absorb the delicious sauce.

2. Garlic Fried Rice

If you want to add an extra dimension of flavor to your Mechado meal, you can serve it with garlic fried rice. The nutty and aromatic garlic flavors pair well with the hearty beef Mechado, adding a delicious and satisfying taste to your meal.

3. Sautéed Vegetables

For a complete and well-balanced meal, serve your Beef Mechado with sautéed vegetables on the side. You can use a combination of carrots, bell peppers, and green beans. Sauté the vegetables in a little oil with some garlic for added flavor. The freshness and crunch of the vegetables will complement the richness of the Mechado.

4. Pickled Vegetables

An interesting twist to your Mechado meal is to serve it with pickled vegetables. The tanginess and slight acidity of the pickled vegetables cut through the richness of the beef and tomato sauce, creating a nice contrast of flavors. Pickled cucumbers or pickled onions are excellent choices.

5. Crusty Bread

If you want to turn your Beef Mechado into a sandwich or enjoy it with bread, you can serve it with crusty bread on the side. Use the bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce or make a sandwich with the tender beef and sauce. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Beef Mechado

Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino dish that is rich in flavors and tender in texture. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Beef Mechado in your pressure cooker:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef

For a tender and flavorful Beef Mechado, it is important to choose the right cut of beef. Look for cuts that are marbled with fat, such as chuck or shoulder. These cuts are more affordable and ideal for long cooking times, which will help melt the fat and make the beef tender.

2. Marinate the Beef

Marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and garlic will help enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat. Allow the beef to marinate for at least one hour or overnight for the best results.

3. Sear the Beef

Before adding the beef to the pressure cooker, sear it in a hot pan to develop a brown crust. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish and helps lock in the juices of the beef. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan to ensure a proper sear.

4. Use a Good Quality Pressure Cooker

Investing in a good quality pressure cooker will make the cooking process easier and more efficient. Look for a pressure cooker with a tight-fitting lid and adjustable pressure settings. This will ensure that the beef cooks evenly and quickly.

5. Don’t Overcook the Beef

While the pressure cooker is a great tool for tenderizing beef quickly, it is important not to overcook the meat. Beef Mechado is best when the meat is still slightly pink in the center and tender. Follow the recommended cooking times for your pressure cooker model to ensure the perfect texture.

6. Let the Pressure Release Naturally

After the Beef Mechado is cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the pressure cooker. This will help the flavors to meld together and the meat to rest, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to make a delicious Beef Mechado in your pressure cooker. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender beef in this classic Filipino dish!

FAQ

What is beef mechado?

Beef mechado is a popular Filipino dish made with beef, tomatoes, potatoes, and other flavorful ingredients. It is traditionally cooked slowly in a pot, but can also be prepared using a pressure cooker for quicker cooking time.

Can beef mechado be cooked in a pressure cooker?

Yes, beef mechado can be cooked in a pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time and help tenderize the beef faster. It is a convenient method for those who want to enjoy beef mechado without waiting for hours for it to cook.

What are the benefits of cooking beef mechado in a pressure cooker?

There are several benefits of cooking beef mechado in a pressure cooker. Firstly, the pressure cooker helps to tenderize the beef in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional stovetop cooking. This is especially helpful if you’re using tougher cuts of beef. Secondly, the pressure cooker retains more of the flavors and nutrients, resulting in a more delicious and nutritious dish. Lastly, using a pressure cooker can save time and energy, making it a convenient cooking method for busy individuals.