Beef afritada is a variation of the popular chicken afritada. Which is a basic Filipino tomato based chicken stew. Instead of chicken, you use beef. Actually, afritada is the easiest compared to other Filipino tomato based stew like menudo, caldereta or mechado.
So I bet this afritada is an easy dish for you to prepare if you are scared to cook beef caldereta or beef mechado. Or this dish could be a good excuse if you made a mistake while cooking beef mechado because you didn’t follow the recipe and someone ask you what are you cooking? then just smile and say “It’s beef afritada!”.
A Beefy Twist on a Filipino Classic
Also known as afritadang baka in Filipino, is a delightful twist on the popular chicken afritada. This classic Filipino dish is a tomato-based stew that usually features chicken as its star ingredient. However, in this beefy version, tender chunks of beef take the center stage. If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful Filipino dish to prepare, this is the perfect choice. In fact, it’s even simpler to make than other tomato-based Filipino stews like menudo, caldereta, or mechado.
Boil the Beef Chunks to Tender Perfection
Begin your cooking adventure by placing your beef chunks in a pot, covering them with water. Allow the meat to simmer until it becomes tender and succulent.
Saute Garlic, Onions, and Tomatoes
In a separate saucepan, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until it releases its irresistible fragrance. Then, toss in the diced onions and tomatoes, cooking until they turn tender and aromatic.
Introduce a Splash of Color with Bell Peppers
Add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your afritada by including red and green bell peppers. These vibrant ingredients not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the dish’s overall taste.
The Beef Takes the Stage
Now, bring back the spotlight to the beef. Mix the beef cubes into the sautéed garlic, onions, and tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated in the flavors. Pour in a generous helping of tomato sauce, followed by the beef broth, to create a luscious and savory base for your stew.
Adding the Heart of the Dish: Carrots and Potatoes
To elevate your afritada dish, introduce the comforting combination of carrots and potatoes. These vegetables not only provide a delightful contrast in texture but also soak up the delicious flavors of the stew. Don’t forget to include a couple of bay leaves to infuse a subtle, earthy aroma.
Seasoning Magic: Patis and Ground Pepper
Give your the dish its unique Filipino flair by seasoning it with patis, or fish sauce, and ground pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, ensuring the dish achieves the perfect balance of salty and savory.
Simmer Until Perfection
Allow your the dish to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld together while the potatoes and carrots become tender. Keep an eye on the sauce’s consistency; if it starts to dry out, simply add more of the reserved beef broth.
Savor the Irresistible Afritada Dish
Once your beef reaches its peak of tenderness and flavor, it’s time to serve this delectable Filipino comfort dish. Scoop a generous portion onto a plate, ensuring each serving has a good balance of beef, vegetables, and the rich, tomato-based sauce.
A Flavorful Journey with Beef Afritada
It is the perfect introduction to the world of Filipino cooking, offering simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With its tender chunks of beef, colorful vegetables, and savory tomato sauce, it’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this afritada variation. Whether you’re a beginner in Filipino cuisine or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to become a favorite on your menu. Embrace the flavors of the Philippines with this delightful and easy-to-make dish.
How to Cook Beef Afritada (Afritadang Baka)
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo beef briskets or sirloin cut into chunks
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 1 pc onion chopped
- 2 pcs tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup red and green bell peppers cut into strips
- 1 pc beef broth cube
- 1/8 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pc carrots slice into wedges
- 2 pcs medium size potatoes quartered
- 3 pcs bay leaves
- fish sauce to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
How to cook Beef Afritada:
- In a pot, boil the beef chunks in water, just enough to cover the meat. Cook until tender.
- Remove the beef chunks from the broth and set aside. Save the broth.
- In a saucepan, heat some cooking oil and saute garlic until fragrant.
- Then add onions and tomatoes. Saute until tender. Add the red and green bell peppers.
- Add in the beef cubes and mix well. Pour tomato sauce then followed by the beef broth. Mix well.
- Add the carrots, potatoes and the bay leaves. Season with patis or fish sauce and ground pepper.
- Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add more broth if sauce becomes too dry while cooking. Serve hot.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Tenderize Your Beef for Maximum Flavor For the most tender and flavorful beef afritada, start by simmering the beef chunks in water until they are fully tender. This slow cooking process ensures that the meat absorbs all the rich flavors of the broth. Remember to save the broth as it will be used later to enhance the stew’s depth of flavor. Perfectly Saute Your Aromatics When sautéing garlic, onions, and tomatoes, ensure that they are cooked until they are soft and aromatic. This step is crucial as it forms the flavorful base of your afritada. The longer you sauté these ingredients, the richer and more developed your stew’s taste will be. Balance Your Seasonings Season your afritada carefully with patis (fish sauce) and ground pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Taste the stew as it simmers and adjust the seasoning gradually, ensuring it complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the tomato sauce. This careful seasoning will make each bite harmonious and delicious.
Hi, what kind of beef cut is suited for this beef afritada recipe?
Hi Julie, beef briskets are suitable and also beef tenderloin.