Craving a taste of the Philippines? Look no further than Beef Asado, a beloved Filipino dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This braised beef dish is known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and its rich, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and authentic Beef Asado experience. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the simplicity of this classic Filipino comfort food!
Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy to Medium |
Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving of Beef Asado. Keep in mind that this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g
Ingredients
Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. This recipe uses common ingredients, making it easy to prepare. Good quality beef is really important.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes | 2 pounds |
| Soy sauce | 1 cup |
| Vinegar (apple cider or white) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Whole peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion, quartered | 1 medium |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Cooking oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional) | 2 medium |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced (optional) | 2 medium |
| Green peas (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Beef Asado that your family and friends will love. Remember to read through the entire recipe first before starting.
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful the beef will be. This is a crucial step for the best Beef Asado flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the beef cubes from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned. Searing the beef adds depth of flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the quartered onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add the Marinade and Water: Pour the reserved marinade into the pot with the sautéed onions. Add the water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Check the beef occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent it from drying out. This slow simmering process is what makes the beef so tender and flavorful.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If using, add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time. This allows the vegetables to cook until tender without becoming mushy. For the green peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid from the pot and whisk it with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Then, pour the cornstarch slurry back into the pot and stir until the sauce thickens. This is an optional step, but it can enhance the overall texture of the Beef Asado.
- Season to Taste: Taste the Beef Asado and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more soy sauce, vinegar, or brown sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Beef Asado hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Asado!
Serving Suggestions
Beef Asado is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which perfectly complements the rich and flavorful sauce. Here are some other serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- With Garlic Fried Rice: For an extra layer of flavor, serve with garlic fried rice instead of plain rice.
- With a Side of Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or bok choy for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- As a Filling for Siopao: Use the Beef Asado as a filling for siopao (steamed buns) for a delicious and portable snack or meal.
- With Pickled Papaya (Atchara): The tangy and crunchy atchara provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory Beef Asado.
- As a topping for Pancit: Mix with pancit noodles for an even more flavorful and satisfying dish.
Notes and Tips for the Best Beef Asado
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Beef Asado turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck is the ideal cut for Beef Asado because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful during the long simmering process. Other suitable cuts include brisket or short ribs.
- Don’t Skip the Marinating Step: Marinating the beef is essential for infusing it with flavor and tenderizing it. The longer the marinating time, the better the results.
- Sear the Beef Properly: Searing the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor and helps to seal in the juices. Make sure to sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Simmer on Low Heat: Simmering the beef on low heat ensures that it cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender. Avoid boiling the beef, as this can make it tough.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Sourness: The key to a perfect Beef Asado is balancing the sweetness and sourness. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to your liking.
- Add Vegetables for a More Nutritious Meal: Adding potatoes, carrots, and green peas not only adds flavor and texture to the Beef Asado but also makes it a more nutritious and complete meal.
- Make it Ahead of Time: Beef Asado tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
- Freeze for Later: Leftover Beef Asado can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy experimenting with the recipe, and most importantly, have fun cooking this delicious Beef Asado. With this recipe, you can easily enjoy an authentic taste of the Philippines in the comfort of your own home. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors will surely be a hit with your family and friends! The versatility of Beef Asado makes it a family favorite. Be sure to try this out and share the experience.
This Beef Asado recipe is simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions carefully, and get ready to savor the delicious flavors of the Philippines!
A note on soy sauce: Different brands of soy sauce have varying levels of saltiness. Be sure to taste as you cook, and adjust the saltiness by adding a little water or sugar.
Enjoy your Beef Asado. It is one of the most loved Filipino dishes for good reason!
