Simple BEEF Mechado

Tender, savory Filipino-style beef mechado with a rich soy-citrus flavor — adapted for the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) beef chunks (chuck, brisket, or stew beef)
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 large carrot, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Equipment

• Air fryer-safe baking dish with cover or foil
• Large bowl for marinating

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef
   • Combine beef chunks, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper.
   • Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight gives the best flavor).
2. Brown the Beef
   • Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
   • Toss beef with oil.
   • Arrange beef pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
   • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly browned.
3. Make the Mechado Sauce
   • Transfer browned beef into an air fryer-safe baking dish.
   • Add onion, tomato sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, and brown sugar.
   • Cover tightly with foil.
4. Slow Cook in Air Fryer
   • Reduce temperature to 320°F (160°C).
   • Air fry for 60–75 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the beef becomes tender.
   • Add potatoes and carrots during the last 25–30 minutes of cooking.
5. Finish
   • Remove bay leaves.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Steamed white rice
• Garlic rice
• Pickled vegetables (atchara)
• Fresh salad