How To Cook Beef Pochero
Beef pochero is a comforting Filipino stew made with tender beef, sweet saba bananas, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based broth.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: beef pochero, pocherong baka
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 278kcal
Author: Manny
- 1 kilo beef briskets or beef shoulder slice into bite size pieces
- 1 small pack tomato sauce about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 small cabbage quartered
- 1 bunch pechay
- 100 grams baguio beans
- 5 pcs bananas saba variety, sliced into 2 pcs each
- 2 pcs medium size sweet potato kamote or potatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 head garlic crushed
- salt and pepper to taste
- sugar to taste
How To Cook Beef Pochero:
Boil the beef in a pot with water, salt and pepper until tender.
You can use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking time.
In a deep pan, heat oil and saute garlic and onion.
Put the boiled beef and include about 1 to 1 & 1/2 cups of the broth.
Then add the bananas and sweet potatoes, cover and simmer at least 5 minutes.
Then add the tomato sauce and cover again an simmer or a few minutes.
Add the baguio beans and let it cook for a while then follow the cabbage and pechay.
Season with salt, pepper and sugar according to your preferred taste.
Serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Selecting the right cut of beef is crucial for achieving tender and flavorful results. Opt for cuts like chuck or shank, which have enough fat and connective tissue to break down during cooking, making the meat tender and juicy. Avoid lean cuts as they can turn out tough and dry in this slow-cooked dish.
Simmer Slowly for Maximum Flavor
Take your time when simmering the stew to allow the flavors to fully develop. Slow cooking over low heat helps the beef become tender and ensures that the vegetables absorb the savory broth. Patience is key, as rushing the process may result in tougher meat and less flavorful vegetables.
Fry the Saba Bananas for Extra Sweetness
For an added layer of flavor, try frying the saba bananas before adding them to the stew. This technique caramelizes the sugars in the bananas, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a delightful contrast to the savory broth. It’s a simple step that can elevate the overall taste of your pochero.