INGREDIENTS

Serves 4–6

For the Marinade / Braise:
•    2 lbs beef brisket, short ribs, or chuck (cut into large chunks)
•    ¼ cup soy sauce
•    2 tbsp oyster sauce
•    2 tbsp banana ketchup (or tomato ketchup with a little sugar)
•    1 tbsp vinegar or calamansi juice
•    4 cloves garlic, minced
•    1 onion, chopped
•    1 bay leaf
•    1–2 cups water or beef broth (enough to cover the meat)
•    1 tsp ground black pepper
•    1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
•    1 tsp paprika (optional)

For Grilling / BBQ Finish:
•    Extra banana ketchup mixed with soy sauce (for basting)
•    Optional: A dash of liquid smoke or charcoal grilling for added smoky flavor

INSTRUCTIONS
Marinate (Optional but Recommended)
•    In a large bowl, combine all marinade 
    ingredients with the beef.
•    Marinate for 1–2 hours, or preferably 
    overnight, in the refrigerator.

Braise the Beef
•    Transfer the marinated beef and liquid into a large pot.
•    Add water or beef broth until the meat is just covered.
•    Simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender but still holds together.
•    Continue to simmer and reduce the sauce until it thickens and becomes rich in flavor.
•    Remove the beef from the pot and set both the meat and reduced sauce aside.

BBQ Finish
•    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
•    Baste the beef with a mixture of banana ketchup and soy sauce (add a little oil for shine).
•    Grill the beef for a few minutes per side until 
    slightly charred and caramelized.

Serve
•    Slice the beef and arrange on a serving platter.
•    Spoon the reserved sauce generously over the top.
•    Serve with steamed white rice or garlic rice.

Optional Sides:
•    Pickled vegetables (atchara)
•    Grilled corn
•    Fried plantains

Tips & Variations
For Latin-Style Asado: Use large cuts such as beef ribs or flank steak. Marinate with chimichurri and slow-grill over coals.
For a Smoky Twist: Add wood chips to the grill or finish the beef in the oven with a glaze made from smoked paprika and honey.