Vegan Mechado Filipino Stew (Printable Recipe)

Comforting vegan mechado with tender vegan beef and hearty veggies in a rich tomato broth.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Vegan Beef Preparation

01 - 2 cups dehydrated vegan beef slices
02 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt to taste
06 - Black pepper to taste

→ Main Ingredients

07 - 2 tablespoons cooking oil
08 - 1 medium onion, chopped
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 cup tomato sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon vegan fish sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon vinegar
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
17 - 1 pinch monosodium glutamate (optional)
18 - 2 bay leaves

→ Vegetables

19 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
20 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
21 - 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
22 - 1 cup green peas

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Soak dehydrated vegan beef slices in boiling water until softened, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess liquid.
02 - Combine softened vegan beef with soy sauces, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
03 - Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add marinated vegan beef and cook until browned on edges, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook until deep red, 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Add broth and tomato sauce. Stir in sugar, vegan fish sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, MSG if using, and bay leaves. Scrape browned bits and simmer for 10 minutes.
06 - Add potatoes and carrots. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
07 - Stir in bell peppers, peas, and browned vegan beef. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and peas are heated through.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over rice and enjoy.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Marinate vegan beef overnight for deeper flavor.
02 - Use a rich vegetable broth to enhance umami taste.
03 - Simmer uncovered longer if a thicker sauce is desired.
04 - Searing vegan beef until golden enhances flavor depth.
05 - High-quality tomato sauce improves overall richness.
06 - This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
07 - Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

Go Back