Abajao with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lime juice) 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lime juice)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef stock 4 cups (950ml) beef stock
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and brown sugar. Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated beef to the pot and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
6. 6.
   Stir in the chili flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Abajao hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For tender and flavorful meat, thinly slice the beef against the grain.
• Calamansi juice — If calamansi juice is not available, you can substitute it with lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.
• Chili flakes — Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or omit it entirely for a milder version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add green beans, peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Garnish the dish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Abajao hot with steamed rice. The rice will absorb the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the dish, arrange the sliced beef, colorful vegetables, and aromatic broth in a deep bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of steamed rice.