Go Back
Beef Asado
Print Recipe

How to Cook Beef Asado

Beef asado is a popular Filipino beef dish that are usually sold in carinderia or food courts serving Filipino dishes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 360kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo beef cut into desired pieces
  • 2 potatoes pared and divided into 6
  • 1 big onion peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 head garlic
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups native vinegar
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 pc. bay leaf
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 small red/green pepper cut into slices
  • 2 Tbsp. achuete juice
  • 2 pieces tomatoes cut into small pieces

Instructions

How to cook beef asado:

  • Place the meat in a saucepan and add vinegar, pepper, 1/2 of garlic, salt, bay leaf and soy sauce.
  • Allow it to boil for 5 minutes.
  • Add 2 cups water and let boil until meat is tender. Fry the potatoes until golden brown, then set aside.
  • Saute garlic, onions and tomatoes; then, add in meat mixture, potatoes and red/green pepper.
  • Add the achuete juice to the mixture and cook until done. Serve hot. Good for 6 persons.

To make achuete juice:

  • For every 1 Tbsp. atchuete seeds, pour 2 Tbsp. hot water and let stand for at least 30 minutes.
  • Remove the seeds and the liquid is your achuete juice.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Before cooking, marinate the beef in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves for at least an hour. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, enhancing its taste. The acidity of the vinegar also helps to tenderize the beef, resulting in a more succulent dish.

Sauté for Depth

Sauté the garlic, onions, and tomatoes until they are caramelized and fragrant before adding them to the meat mixture. This process develops a richer, more complex flavor base for the dish. It also ensures that the aromatics fully release their flavors, infusing the beef with a deeper taste.

Achuete Juice for Color and Flavor

Prepare achuete juice by soaking annatto seeds in hot water and straining out the seeds after 30 minutes. This vibrant liquid not only gives the beef asado its characteristic reddish color but also adds a subtle earthy flavor. Incorporating achuete juice enhances the visual appeal and authenticity of the dish.