Hello and welcome once again, dear friends. RecipeArt is here to satisfy your culinary needs. Today we will learn about the Beef Afritada Recipe. Beef Afritada is basically a Filipino dish made with beef, fresh vegetables, and a delicious tomato-based sauce. If you are a novice in the kitchen, don’t worry; just follow our steps. So without wasting time, let’s start the journey.
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Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
2 hours and 35 minutes
Recipe Yield:
4-6 servings
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| – Fiber | 6g |
| – Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 28g |
**Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used in the recipe. If you want to know the actual value of your ingredient you may visit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Ingredients for Beef Afritada Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Beef | 500 grams, cut into bite-sized cubes |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 large |
| Minced garlic | 4 cloves |
| Cooking oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Potatoes | 3 medium-sized, peeled and quartered |
| Carrots | 2 large, peeled and sliced diagonally |
| Red bell pepper | 1, cut into strips |
| Green bell pepper | 1, cut into strips |
| Green peas | 1 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Water or beef broth | 1 cup |
| Boy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | As per taste |
How to cook Beef Afritada:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the beef cubes to the pot. Cook until they are browned on all sides, ensuring a nice caramelized exterior while retaining the juiciness inside.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water (or beef broth) into the pot, followed by the soy sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors. Drop in the bay leaf, which adds a subtle aromatic touch to the dish.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
- After the beef has reached the desired tenderness, add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot. These vibrant vegetables not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also contribute a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Continue simmering the stew for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finally, add the green peas to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes. This addition introduces a burst of color and freshness to the dish, complementing the robust flavors of the other ingredients.
- Season the Beef Afritada with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to adjust the seasoning gradually, as the flavors will continue to develop as the stew simmers.
- Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, it’s time to serve this delightful Filipino dish! Scoop the Beef Afritada into a serving dish, and don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.
- Beef Afritada is best enjoyed with steamed rice, which helps absorb the savory sauce and complements the tender beef and vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or spring onions for a touch of freshness and added visual appeal.
Pro Tips Beef Afritada Recipe:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for cuts of beef that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or beef stew meat. These cuts contain more connective tissue, which breaks down during the long cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Sear the Beef for Flavor: Take the time to properly sear the beef before adding it to the stew. Searing creates a caramelized crust on the meat, enhancing its flavor and adding depth to the dish. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Use Homemade Tomato Sauce: While store-bought tomato sauce works fine, using homemade tomato sauce can elevate the flavors of your Beef Afritada. You can prepare it by blending fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of tomato paste for a vibrant and authentic taste.
- Allow Time for Slow Simmering: Don’t rush the cooking process. The magic of Beef Afritada lies in the slow simmering that allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. Be patient and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Conclusion:
You’ve successfully prepared a delectable Beef Afritada, a classic Filipino dish that embodies the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. This hearty stew with its succulent beef, vibrant vegetables, and luscious tomato-based sauce is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Remember, cooking is an art, and each dish can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as olives, raisins, or even hot peppers to add your own personal touch to this already incredible dish.
Printable Recipe:
Beef Afritada Recipe
Ingredients
- Beef 500 grams cut into bite-sized cubes
- Finely chopped onion 1 large
- Minced garlic 4 cloves
- Cooking oil 2 tablespoons
- Potatoes 3 medium-sized peeled and quartered
- Carrots 2 large peeled and sliced diagonally
- Red bell pepper 1 cut into strips
- Green bell pepper 1 cut into strips
- Green peas 1 cup
- Tomato sauce 2 cups
- Water or beef broth 1 cup
- Boy sauce 2 tablespoons
- Bay leaf 1
- Salt and pepper As per taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the beef cubes to the pot. Cook until they are browned on all sides, ensuring a nice caramelized exterior while retaining the juiciness inside.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water (or beef broth) into the pot, followed by the soy sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors. Drop in the bay leaf, which adds a subtle aromatic touch to the dish.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
- After the beef has reached the desired tenderness, add the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers to the pot. These vibrant vegetables not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also contribute a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Continue simmering the stew for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finally, add the green peas to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes. This addition introduces a burst of color and freshness to the dish, complementing the robust flavors of the other ingredients.
- Season the Beef Afritada with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to adjust the seasoning gradually, as the flavors will continue to develop as the stew simmers.
- Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, it’s time to serve this delightful Filipino dish! Scoop the Beef Afritada into a serving dish, and don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.
- Beef Afritada is best enjoyed with steamed rice, which helps absorb the savory sauce and complements the tender beef and vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or spring onions for a touch of freshness and added visual appeal.
Notes
2. Sear the Beef for Flavor: Take the time to properly sear the beef before adding it to the stew. Searing creates a caramelized crust on the meat, enhancing its flavor and adding depth to the dish. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use a different meat instead of beef?
Yes, Beef Afritada can be made with other meats such as chicken or pork. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Can I make Beef Afritada ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Beef Afritada tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Beef Afritada?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Afritada for longer storage. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier Beef Afritada, you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, and remember to taste and adjust the seasoning gradually.
