Beef Bistek is a traditional Filipino dish that is made with thinly
sliced beef that is marinated in soy sauce, citrus juice and other
seasonings, and then pan-fried until tender. Here is a basic recipe for
making Beef Bistek at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon or calamansi juice (substitute with lime juice)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2-3 bird's eye chilies (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon or calamansi juice, garlic, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and shake off the excess liquid. Reserve the marinade.
- Cook the beef in the hot oil, in batches if necessary, for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned on both sides.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions until softened.
- Add the chilies (if using) and sauté for another minute.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the beef to the pan and spoon the sauce over the beef. Cook until the sauce is reduced and the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Serve the beef bistek with steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy!
Note: You can add other ingredients like bell peppers or mushrooms to the dish for more flavor. Beef Bistek is also popularly served with a fried egg on top.
