Bistek Tagalog, commonly known as Filipino Beef Steak, is a popular and savory Filipino dish. It features thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice or lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. The marinated beef is then pan-fried and simmered in a flavorful sauce, often with onions. The result is a delicious and tender beef dish with a distinct Filipino flavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cooking Bistek Tagalog:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin or beef flank
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), ground black pepper, and minced garlic.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
2. Sear the Beef:
- Heat cooking oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the beef slices and reserve the marinade for later use.
- Sear the marinated beef slices in batches until brown on both sides. Set aside the seared beef.
3. Sauté Onions:
- In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions until they become soft and translucent.
4. Simmer in Sauce:
- Pour the reserved marinade, beef broth, and oyster sauce (if using) into the pan with the sautéed onions.
- Add the seared beef slices back into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the beef is tender.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and brown sugar as needed to achieve a well-balanced flavor.
6. Serve:
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, transfer the Bistek Tagalog to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
7. Serve Hot:
- Bistek Tagalog is typically served hot over steamed rice.
Tips:
- Thin Slices: Thinly slicing the beef ensures quicker cooking and better absorption of the marinade flavors.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to achieve the right balance of sweet, savory, and salty flavors.
- Garnish: Chopped green onions add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish when used as a garnish.
Bistek Tagalog is typically served over steamed rice and garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness. It’s a favorite in Filipino households and is often enjoyed for everyday meals as well as special occasions. The combination of tender beef, flavorful marinade, and sautéed onions makes it a beloved and comforting dish in Filipino cuisine. Enjoy!
