Beef Morcon is a classic Filipino dish that’s often reserved for special occasions and family celebrations. This savory and hearty dish is made by braising rolled beef slices stuffed with a flavorful combination of bacon, carrots, and pickles, then simmering in a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is tender, succulent meat with a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Morcon is often served with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress guests and make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the beef roll:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef flank steak or sirloin, sliced into 1/4-inch thick, wide strips
- 1/2 cup bacon strips, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup cheese, sliced into strips (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the beef rolls: Lay the beef strips flat on a clean surface and season with salt and pepper. Arrange a few pieces of bacon, julienned carrots, pickles, cheese (if using), and raisins (if desired) along one edge of each beef strip. Roll the beef tightly and secure the ends with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine. Repeat until all the beef is rolled.
- Sear the beef: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef rolls and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the beef: Return the beef rolls to the skillet, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the beef occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine from the beef rolls before serving. Plate the beef morcon and spoon the rich sauce over the top. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.
Beef Morcon is a dish that embodies the rich and complex flavors of Filipino cuisine. The combination of tender beef, sweet and tangy accents, and the savory sauce makes it a truly memorable meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
