Filipino Bistek: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Are you craving a savory and flavorful Filipino dish? Look no further than Bistek, a classic Filipino beef dish known for its tender, juicy beef slices marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi, and onions. This recipe will guide you through making a mouthwatering Bistek that will impress your family and friends.
What is Bistek Tagalog?
Bistek Tagalog, often simply called Bistek, is a beloved Filipino dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi (a Filipino citrus fruit), onions, and sometimes garlic. It's then pan-fried or sautéed until tender and the sauce thickens to a delicious glaze. The tangy, salty, and savory flavors are what makes this dish so irresistible. It's often served with steamed rice and a side of atchara (pickled papaya).
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with a combination of lime and lemon juice)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A teaspoon of black peppercorns for extra zest
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Marinating the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, calamansi juice, sliced onions, and minced garlic (if using). Make sure the beef is well coated in the marinade.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to allow the beef to absorb the flavors fully. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your bistek will be.
Cooking the Bistek:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- If there's excess marinade left in the bowl, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. You can also add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and create a richer sauce.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Serving Your Delicious Bistek:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve your Bistek Tagalog hot over steamed rice. A side of atchara perfectly complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of black peppercorns to the marinade.
- If you don't have calamansi: Use a combination of lime juice and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Adjust the soy sauce: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce to your liking.
- For a thicker sauce: Simmer the sauce for longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
Enjoy your homemade Filipino Bistek! This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own unique version. Let us know in the comments how your Bistek turned out!
