MORCON Flipino-style Braised Beef Roulade

 

Morcon: A Filipino Festive Delight

In the Philippines, celebrations are synonymous with feasting. The heart and soul of any Filipino gathering is the food, bringing everyone together in a shared experience of flavors and traditions. Among the many dishes that grace the table, Morcon, or Braised Beef Roulade, stands out as a centerpiece, a dish that embodies the spirit of Filipino hospitality and festivity. This savory roulade, brimming with a colorful and flavorful stuffing, is a staple during the holiday season, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Its preparation and presentation reflect the care and love that go into Filipino cooking, making it more than just a meal—it's a celebration on a plate.

The Essence of Morcon Morcon is a flavorful roulade made from skirt or round-cut beef flank steak. The meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, black pepper, and calamansi juice, infusing it with a tangy and savory flavor profile that is quintessentially Filipino.

The Stuffing What makes Morcon truly special is its rich and varied stuffing. Inside the rolled beef, you'll find a delightful mix of minced carrots, longganisa sausages (or sometimes bacon or hotdogs), cheese (traditionally queso de bola), pickled cucumber, and other ingredients that add layers of flavor and texture.

Preparing the Roulade The beef is carefully rolled into a cylinder, ensuring the stuffing is evenly distributed. It is then tied securely with twine, both horizontally and vertically, and lightly sprinkled with flour. This helps to seal in the flavors during the cooking process.

Cooking the Morcon The roulade is first fried until it achieves a beautiful brown crust. Meanwhile, the sauce is prepared separately, typically featuring garlic, onions, cheese, chili peppers, and bay leaves simmered in tomato sauce and water. The fried beef is then added to the sauce and braised over low heat until it becomes tender and infused with the rich, savory flavors of the sauce.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

MORCON | Braised Beef Roulade

• 1.5-kilo beef, round or flank steak
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp calamansi or lemon
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 200 grams strips pork neck fat (optional)
• 3 cups of water beef fats
• 2 piece chorizo de bilbao
• 2 piece whole sweet pickles (cucumber)
• 4 strips mozzarella cheese ( or queso de bola/cheddar cheese)
• 1/2 carrot, cut into 4 strips
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Lay the beef flat on a clean surface and pound it to flatten and tenderize it.
• In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, and ground black pepper.
• Marinate the beef in this mixture for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:

• While the beef is marinating, prepare the stuffing ingredients: pork neck fat (if using), chorizo de bilbao, sweet pickles, mozzarella cheese (or queso de bola/cheddar cheese), and carrot strips.

3. Roll and Secure the Beef:

• Lay the marinated beef flat and arrange the stuffing ingredients (pork neck fat, chorizo, pickles, cheese, and carrot strips) evenly across the middle of the beef.
• Carefully roll the beef into a tight cylinder, making sure the stuffing stays in place.
• Tie the rolled beef securely with kitchen twine, both horizontally and vertically, to keep the roll intact during cooking.

4. Coat the Beef:

• Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef roll, coating it lightly. This will help to create a nice crust when frying.

5. Fry the Beef:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the beef roll and fry until it is browned on all sides. This helps to seal in the flavors and gives the beef a nice color.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a separate pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
• Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until they become fragrant and translucent.
• Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
• Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Braise the Beef:

• Place the fried beef roll into the pot with the sauce.
• Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.

8. Finishing Touches:

• Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Carefully remove the twine and slice the beef roll into discs.
• Arrange the slices on a serving platter and pour the sauce over them.

9. Serve:

• Serve the Morcon with a generous amount of sauce and a side of white rice.

Serving and Enjoying Morcon Once cooked, the twine is removed, and the beef is sliced into neat little discs, each revealing the colorful and flavorful stuffing inside. Served with the luscious sauce, Morcon is best enjoyed with a serving of white rice, which perfectly complements its robust flavors.

More Than Just a Dish Morcon is more than just a delicious main course; it's a symbol of togetherness and celebration. In the Filipino culture, food is a way to bring people together, and Morcon is a perfect example of this tradition. The process of preparing Morcon is often a family affair, with each member contributing to its creation. The meticulous preparation, from marinating the beef to rolling it with the flavorful stuffing, becomes a bonding activity, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. When served, Morcon transforms the dining table into a vibrant tapestry of flavors and stories. As family and friends gather around, the room fills with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of utensils—a symphony of celebration. Each bite of Morcon is a taste of tradition, a reminder of the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations. It's these moments, accompanied by the irresistible taste of Morcon, that make every celebration truly special. Beyond its culinary appeal, Morcon represents the Filipino value of sharing and hospitality. Offering a slice of Morcon to a guest is a gesture of warmth and generosity, a way of making them feel welcome and appreciated. It's this spirit of giving and togetherness that defines Filipino celebrations, making each gathering a cherished memory.

Conclusion So, the next time you plan a special occasion, consider adding Morcon to your menu. Not only will it delight your guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, but it will also bring a sense of tradition and warmth to your gathering, making the celebration even more memorable. With Morcon on the table, you're not just serving a dish—you're creating an experience, a moment of connection, and a celebration of Filipino culture.

Enjoy this flavorful and festive dish with family and friends, and savor the tradition and warmth that Morcon brings to any celebration!