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 beef 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
Beef Afritada, 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, Beef Afritada is the perfect choice. In fact, it’s even simpler to make than other tomato-based Filipino stews like menudo, caldereta, or mechado.
The Ease of Beef Afritada
Preparing Beef Afritada is a breeze, especially if you’ve ever been hesitant to cook dishes like beef caldereta or beef mechado. This recipe offers a delicious alternative that’s both satisfying and straightforward. If you happen to make a mistake while cooking beef mechado and someone asks what you’re preparing, just smile and confidently say, “It’s beef afritada!”
Boil the Beef Chunks to Tender Perfection
Begin your Beef Afritada 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 Beef 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 Beef Afritada, 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 Beef Afritada 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 Beef Afritada 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 Beef Afritada
Once your Beef Afritada 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
Beef Afritada 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 Beef Afritada. 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 Beef Afritada.
How to Cook Beef Afritada (Afritadang Baka)
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo beef 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 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.