Filipino Bistek
Savor the rich and savory flavors of Filipino Bistek, a beloved Filipino dish that combines tender slices of beef sirloin or round steak with a tangy marinade of soy sauce and calamansi juice (or lemon juice). Infused with the warmth of garlic, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this classic recipe is both comforting and irresistibly flavorful. The beef is marinated to perfection and then cooked to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish, all in just under an hour. Served over steamed white rice, this dish is a staple of Filipino home cooking, delivering a delightful balance of saltiness and citrusy brightness in every bite. Whether you're exploring traditional Filipino cuisine or looking for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner, Bistek Tagalog is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef sirloin or round steak
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 2 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
Slice the beef into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), and ground black pepper. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
While the beef marinates, peel and slice the onions into rings. Mince the garlic. Set both aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and slightly translucent. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Take the beef out of the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Cook the beef in batches over medium-high heat for about 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Once all the beef is cooked, pour the reserved marinade and 1/4 cup of water into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10–15 minutes or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Add the sautéed onions back into the skillet and season with salt to taste. Let everything simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot over steamed white rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.0 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 892 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.5 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 36.7 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 644 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
