Can I make a Filipino Menudo recipe without liver?

Yes, you can certainly skip the liver if you aren't a fan of the taste. However, the liver is what gives a Filipino Menudo recipe its traditional depth. As a substitute, some people use a bit of liver spread (make sure it is beef-based) or simply add more tomato paste to help thicken the sauce and add richness.

Why is my beef tough in my Menudo?

If the beef in your Filipino Menudo recipe is tough, it likely needs more time to simmer. Tougher cuts of beef need low and slow heat to break down the fibers. Make sure you are using a low simmer rather than a rolling boil, as high heat can actually make the meat seize up and become rubbery.

What is the difference between Menudo, Afritada, and Mechado?

These three Filipino stews are very similar as they all use a tomato base. The main difference lies in the cut of the meat and the specific ingredients. A Filipino Menudo recipe uses small diced meat and liver. Afritada usually uses larger chunks of chicken or beef and often includes more vegetables. Mechado is known for having a "mecha" or a piece of fat inserted into the meat, and it usually has a more citrusy, soy-heavy sauce.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! A chicken-based Filipino Menudo recipe is a popular and lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that chicken cooks much faster than beef, so you will need to adjust your simmering time accordingly. Use boneless thighs for the best flavor and texture, as they won't dry out as easily as breast meat.

Authentic Beef Filipino Menudo Recipe

Name: Ultimate Beef Filipino Menudo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 pound beef liver, cut into small cubes; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth or water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice or calamansi juice; 1/4 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound beef liver, cut into small cubes
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice or calamansi juice
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the beef chuck and beef liver into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots, chop the bell peppers, mince the garlic, and chop the onion.
Step 2: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add diced beef chuck and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 4: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and soy sauce. Cover and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until beef becomes tender.
Step 5: Add diced beef liver and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add potatoes and carrots and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Add bell peppers, raisins, lemon juice, and optional sugar. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, simmer the beef slowly until tender. Small, even cubes give the stew its classic texture and balanced flavor. This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Filipino
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Filipino menudo, beef menudo, Filipino beef stew