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How to Cook Beef Sarciado (Sarciadong Baka)

Beef Sarciado is a flavorful Filipino stew made with tender beef short ribs simmered in a rich sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and hearty vegetables.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: beef recipe, beef sarciado, Filipino beef recipe, sarciadong baka
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo beef short ribs cut into serving pieces
  • 2 pcs medium size onions chopped (for sauteing)
  • 1 pc medium size onion quartered (for boiling the meat)
  • 5 cloves garlic minced (for sauteing)
  • 1 head garlic crushed
  • 1 tsp. whole peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 7 medium size tomatoes chopped
  • 3/4 cup garbanzos or chickpeas
  • 3/4 cup green peas
  • 3 pcs medium size potatoes peeled, quartered and fried
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil
  • 1 tsp. granulated seasoning e.g. Magic Sarap, NamNam
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

How to cook Beef Sarciado:

  • In a pot, fill with water just enough to cover the short ribs and add onions, garlic, peppercorns, salt and bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil and remove any scums floating and simmer for about 2 to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.
  • A pressure cooker can be used if you want to speed up the cooking process.
  • Strain the beef and set aside both the beef and the broth.
  • In a skillet, heat the oil and saute garlic until it changes in color then add onions and tomatoes.
  • Stir cook and simmer for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
  • Pour in 1 cup of beef broth then add in the beef short ribs and season with granulated seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Add in green peas, garbanzos and potatoes and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the dish is cooked.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Choose Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes

Using fresh, ripe tomatoes is key to creating a flavorful sauce in Beef Sarciado. They provide a natural sweetness and tanginess that balances the richness of the beef. Overripe or canned tomatoes can alter the flavor, so always opt for fresh ones when possible.

Slow Simmer for Tender Beef

For melt-in-your-mouth beef, take your time to simmer the short ribs gently. Cooking the beef over low heat for a few hours ensures it absorbs the flavors of the broth and becomes tender. If you're in a hurry, a pressure cooker can speed up the process without sacrificing tenderness.

Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant

When sautéing garlic, onions, and tomatoes, make sure to cook them until they’re fragrant and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the flavor of the dish, creating a deeper, richer base for the stew. Avoid rushing through this part, as it builds the foundation for a flavorful sauce.