Description
Bistek Tagalog is a classic Filipino beef steak marinated in tangy lemon juice and savory soy sauce, then pan-fried and simmered with onions and garlic until tender and flavorful. This hearty dish features thinly sliced sirloin or top round beef cooked to perfection, making it a favorite comfort food served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 2 pounds top round or sirloin, sliced thinly
- 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 head garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cooking
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with lemon juice, soy sauce, sliced onions, minced garlic, and pepper. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the meat and let it marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Drain: Remove the beef, onions, and garlic from the marinade, squeezing out and reserving the excess marinade liquid for later use.
- Brown beef: Heat canola oil in a pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef slices and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes per side or until they are lightly browned. During frying, spoon out and save the meat juices released. Remove the browned beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the sliced onions (not the rings reserved for garnish) and minced garlic. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions are softened and fragrant. Then return the browned beef to the pan.
- Add marinade and water: Pour in the reserved marinade liquid along with the collected meat juices. Add 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and the liquid has reduced to a flavorful sauce. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with raw onion rings, cover, and allow the onions to cook slightly in the steam. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced sirloin or top round for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes ensures the meat is tender and flavorful.
- Adjust salt according to your soy sauce's saltiness and personal preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the onions so they retain slight crunchiness unless you prefer them fully soft.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed white rice or garlic fried rice.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
