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Manyaman Beef Asado

Manyaman Beef Asado (Kapampangan-Style Tomato-Braised Beef)

Manyaman Beef Asado is a type of Filipino beef stew from Pampanga where tender, charcoal-grilled meat is slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce infused with Chinese spices like star anise and sweetened with brown sugar, creating a harmonious blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that exemplify Kapampangan cuisine's reputation for culinary excellence.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 6
Calories 482 kcal
Difficulty Intermediate

Equipment

  • Charcoal Grill: For achieving that essential smoky flavor (Ihawan/Grill)
  • Large Heavy-Bottom Pot or Kaldero: For slow-cooking the beef until tender
  • Sharp Knife: For cutting the beef into uniform pieces
  • Cutting Board: Preferably wooden for meat preparation
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements
  • Tongs: For handling the meat while grilling
  • Wooden Spoon: For stirring without scratching the pot (Sandok na Kahoy)

Ingredients
 

  • 1 kg chuck steak Litid ng Baka, well-marbled, whole or large cuts
  • 2 large potatoes Patatas, cubed
  • 200 g fresh white button mushrooms Kabute
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • ¼ cup soy sauce Toyo
  • 1 tablespoon cane vinegar Suka
  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • 4 pcs bay leaves Dahon ng Laurel
  • 2 teaspoon brown sugar Maskobado
  • 3 pcs star anise
  • 1 white onion chopped (Sibuyas)
  • 6 cloves garlic minced (Bawang)
  • ¼ cup butter Mantikilya
  • Freshly ground black pepper Paminta
  • Salt Asin
  • Oil Mantika

Instructions
 

  • Season the chuck steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. While heating your charcoal grill to high heat (200°C/392°F), let the seasoning penetrate the meat for about 10 minutes. Once the grill is hot, grill the steak for exactly 4 minutes on each side to achieve a nice char. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into 2-inch cubes. Save any juices that come out.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat (170°C/338°F). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become clear. Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
  • Add the cubed beef and all the collected juices to the pot. Pour in the beef stock, chopped tomatoes, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add the bay leaves, brown sugar, and star anise. Let it come to a boil, then lower the heat (140°C/284°F) and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • After an hour, add the whole mushrooms and continue cooking for 45 minutes with the lid on. Check the liquid level every now and then – the meat should always be mostly covered. Add the cubed potatoes and butter, then cook for another 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.
  • Turn the heat up to high and let the sauce reduce until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and give everything a final stir. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving – this helps the meat soak up more flavor. Serve hot with freshly cooked rice.
  • Note: If you notice the sauce getting too thick at any point, add hot beef stock ¼ cup at a time. Your final sauce should be rich and thick enough to coat the meat but still be easily spooned over rice.

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

Manyaman Beef Asado
  • Choose beef with good marbling for the most tender result
  • Don't skip the charcoal grilling step - it's crucial for the signature smoky flavor
  • If sauce becomes too thick, add hot beef stock ¼ cup at a time
  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight in soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper
  • Toast the star anise briefly before adding to release more flavor
  • Add the potatoes last to prevent them from becoming too soft
 

Traditional Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with steamed white rice (Kanin)
  • Garnish with spring onions (Dahon ng Sibuyas)
  • Pair with pickled papaya (Atchara) for contrast
  • Serve with calamansi halves for extra citrus kick
  • Optional side of sautéed vegetables (Gulay)
 

Troubleshooting

  • Tough Meat: Cook longer on low heat, adding more stock if needed
  • Thin Sauce: Increase heat and reduce uncovered until desired thickness
  • Too Salty: Add a quartered potato while cooking to absorb excess salt
  • Too Acidic: Add ½ teaspoon more brown sugar
  • Too Sweet: Add a splash of vinegar or calamansi juice
 

Ingredient Alternatives

  • Chuck steak → Beef brisket or short ribs
  • Fresh mushrooms → Canned mushrooms (drain well)
  • Star anise → Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Cane vinegar → Apple cider vinegar
  • White onion → Red onion
  • Fresh tomatoes → Canned diced tomatoes
  • Beef stock → Water + beef bouillon cubes
 

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container
  • Reheating:
    • Stovetop: Low heat with additional beef stock if needed
    • Microwave: 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through
    • Let come to room temperature before reheating for best results
 

Variations

  1. Spicy Version: Add 2-3 Thai chilies or 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce
  2. Extra Rich: Add ½ cup of red wine during braising
  3. Vegetable-Loaded: Include carrots, bell peppers, and green peas
  4. Chinese-Style: Increase soy sauce and brown sugar, add five-spice powder
  5. Modern Twist: Add bacon bits and mushroom sauce for umami boost
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I make this without a charcoal grill?
    • Yes, you can sear the meat on a very hot cast-iron pan, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
  2. Why is my beef still tough after cooking?
    • Different cuts may require different cooking times. Continue cooking until fork-tender.
  3. Can I use a pressure cooker?
    • Yes, reduce cooking time to 45 minutes at high pressure.
  4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
    • Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
  5. Can I make this ahead for a party?
    • Yes, it actually tastes better the next day!
 
Manyaman Beef Asado
Manyaman Beef Asado

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 36gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 1091mgPotassium: 1035mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 421IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 5mg
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