Imagine a sizzling plate of tender beef, marinated in a tangy blend of soy sauce and calamansi, promising to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of the Philippines with just one bite. Bistek, the beloved Filipino beef steak, is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines simplicity with explosive flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to explore international cuisine or a food lover craving something extraordinary, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner routine and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g beef sirloin, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef sirloin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, for optimal tenderness and flavor absorption. Slice the onion into rings and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the sliced beef sirloin to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. For best results, you can marinate it for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- After marinating, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sear the meat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the marinated beef, including the marinade. Spread the beef evenly in the pan and let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes to develop a nice browning on one side.
- After the beef has browned, stir the pieces to cook them evenly on all sides. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through but still tender.
- Add the reserved sautéed onions back into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water to create a bit of sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the sauce has slightly thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or calamansi juice according to your preference.
- Remove from heat and serve the Bistek hot over steamed rice, garnished with additional onion rings if desired. Enjoy your delicious Filipino Beef Steak!
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a tender cut like sirloin and slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the beef sits in the soy sauce and calamansi mixture (up to an hour), the more flavorful it becomes.
- High Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a beautiful sear on the beef, which locks in flavor and creates those delicious caramelized edges.
- Avoid Overcooking: Beef sirloin can become tough if cooked too long. Aim for a quick, hot sear to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Authentic Touch: If you can't find calamansi, you can substitute with a mix of lime and orange juice to mimic its unique citrusy flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Always serve Bistek hot over steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
