Delicious Recipe Mechado Pork: A Flavorful Filipino Classic

Mechado pork is a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and tender meat. This savory stew is a staple in many households, often……

Mechado pork is a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and tender meat. This savory stew is a staple in many households, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The dish derives its name from the Spanish word "mechar," which means to insert or stuff. Traditionally, this involves marinating pork with spices and inserting strips of fat or vegetables, resulting in a succulent and flavorful meal. In this article, we’ll explore a mouthwatering recipe for mechado pork that will surely impress your family and friends.

### Ingredients

To prepare a delightful mechado pork, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into chunks

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup vinegar

- 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into wedges

- 1 carrot, sliced

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 2 cups beef or pork broth

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 2 bay leaves

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooking oil for sautéing

### Instructions

1. **Marinate the Pork**: In a large bowl, combine the pork chunks with soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer the marinade, the more flavorful the meat will be.

2. **Sauté the Aromatics**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor for your mechado pork.

3. **Brown the Meat**: Add the marinated pork to the pot, including the marinade. Sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides. This caramelization process adds depth to the flavor of the dish.

4. **Add Vegetables**: Once the pork is browned, stir in the tomato paste, sugar, and bay leaves. Then add the potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Mix everything together and allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors.

5. **Simmer**: Pour in the broth, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process is vital for tenderizing the pork and melding the flavors together.

6. **Final Seasoning**: After simmering, taste the mechado and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary. The sauce should be thick, rich, and flavorful.

7. **Serve**: Once done, serve the mechado pork hot with steamed rice. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the rice, making every bite delightful.

### Tips for the Perfect Mechado Pork

- **Choosing the Meat**: Pork shoulder is recommended for this dish due to its marbling, which keeps the meat moist and tender during cooking. However, pork belly can also be used for a richer flavor.

- **Marination Time**: For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight. This allows the meat to absorb the spices thoroughly.

- **Vegetable Variations**: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or peas for added color and nutrition.

- **Serving Suggestions**: Mechado pork pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or garlic rice, and it can also be served with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

In conclusion, this recipe mechado pork is not only a delightful dish but also a wonderful way to connect with Filipino culture and traditions. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to the table. Enjoy the process of cooking, and savor the delicious flavors that come together in this classic Filipino stew!