Easy Pinoy Beef Steak (Bistek) Recipe
I. Introduction
The classic Bistek Tagalog, a simple and flavorful dish of beef marinated in soy sauce and calamansi, topped with onion rings. This Easy Pinoy Beef Steak (Bistek) Recipe captures the essence of Filipino home cooking with its simple but delicious combination of flavors.
II. Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or lemon/lime juice)
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
III. Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
IV. Instructions
- Marinate beef slices in soy sauce and calamansi juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion rings until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Remove onions and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sear marinated beef slices for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add the marinade to the pan and simmer.
- Add brown sugar if using, and return onions to the pan.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes until beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with steamed rice.
V. Tips
Don’t overcook the beef to keep it tender. For best results, slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. The acidic calamansi juice helps tenderize the meat. If you don’t have calamansi, you can substitute with lemon or lime juice. The brown sugar helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a subtle sweetness.
VI. Serving
With steamed white rice. This classic dish is perfect for any meal and is especially popular as a lunch or dinner option. The combination of savory, slightly sweet sauce with tender beef and sweet onions creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children.
VII. Storage
Reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after storage. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much. This is a great dish to prepare ahead of time as the flavors improve.
