Murkon(Rolled-Up Beef Steak Filipino Style)
A savory Filipino-style rolled beef dish filled with ground pork, ham, pickles, and cheese, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. round steak ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ground ham or sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sweet pickles ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese ⓘ
- 1 small box raisins ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
- lemon juice ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the round steak until tender.
- Let the beef cool slightly, then slice it into portions.
- Prepare the filling by mixing ground pork, ground ham or sliced, sweet pickles, egg, shredded cheese, raisins, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the boiled beef slices flat and spread the filling evenly on each piece.
- Roll up the beef slices to enclose the filling, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- In a pot, sauté the garlic and sliced onion until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, bay leaf, water, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Place the rolled-up beef in the sauce and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the beef rolls and slice them into serving portions.
- Pour the sauce over the sliced beef and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the filling. If you don't have ground ham, diced cooked ham can be a great substitute. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to suit your taste. To save time, use pre-sliced round steak or even flank steak, which can also work well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Murkon hot, drizzled with the savory sauce. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. A side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad can add a nice crunch. For an interesting twist, try serving it alongside a fruit-based dish like Ham With Apple-Kraut to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Murkon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the beef rolls in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Murkon(Rolled-Up Beef Steak Filipino Style) contains roughly 637 calories, with 31g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Murkon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolled beef and sauce a day in advance. Simply assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, simmer them in the sauce until heated through. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for ground pork?
If you're looking for a substitute for ground pork, ground beef or turkey can work well in this recipe. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning slightly, as different meats have varying flavor profiles.
How do I know when the beef is tender enough?
The beef is tender enough when it can be easily pierced with a fork. Typically, boiling round steak for about 45 minutes to an hour should yield tender results. If you're using a pressure cooker, it may take significantly less time, around 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).