Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of **Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog**, a lighter twist on a Filipino classic! This recipe combines tender strips of lean beef sirloin marinated in low-sodium soy sauce and fresh calamansi juice, delivering a zesty, umami-packed punch while being gentle on your heart. Slow-simmered with fragrant garlic, bay leaf, and sweet onion rings, this dish achieves a perfect balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Enhanced by a splash of water for a lighter sauce and just a tablespoon of canola oil for cooking, this version retains the soul of traditional bistek while being mindful of your health. Ready in under an hour, it pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or a medley of sautéed vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal. Perfect for those looking to enjoy comforting Filipino dishes without compromising on wellness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams lean beef sirloin
- 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
- 60 ml fresh calamansi juice
- 120 ml water
- 2 pieces (medium, sliced into rings) onions
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 2 pieces (chopped) optional: fresh green onions
- 0.5 teaspoons optional: red chili flakes
Instructions
Slice the lean beef sirloin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps the meat cook evenly and quickly, keeping it tender.
In a bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce and fresh calamansi juice. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Prepare the onions by slicing them into thick rings and set aside.
In a nonstick skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant.
Add the marinated beef strips into the skillet, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the beef until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the reserved marinade along with 120 ml of water and add the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
After simmering, add the onion rings to the skillet. Stir them gently into the beef and sauce. Allow them to cook until they are soft but still hold their shape, about 5 more minutes.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and add the optional ingredients like chopped green onions and red chili flakes for color and a hint of spice, if desired.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Plate the Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog, ensuring each serving comes with a generous amount of sauce and onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1324 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.4 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.1 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 375 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 2302 mg | 100% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.6 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g | ||
| Protein | 146.4 g | 293% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 2149 mg | 46% | |
*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.
