Bistek, or Bistek Tagalog, is a Filipino version of beef steak that is marinated in soy sauce and kalamansi (or lemon) juice. This savory, flavor-rich dish is commonly made with thin slices of beef, often sirloin, and cooked with onions. The marinated beef is fried until tender, and the resulting sauce is thickened to perfection, making Bistek a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thinly and pounded

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup kalamansi juice (or lemon juice)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil

• 1 large onion, cut into rings

• ½ cup water

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef:

   • In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce, kalamansi (or lemon) juice, and chopped onions. Mix well and let the beef marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).

2. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture:

   • Dissolve the cornstarch in ½ cup of water and set aside.

3. Cook the Onions:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion rings and cook until tender or caramelized, depending on your preference. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef:

   • In the same pan, add the marinated beef and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the beef to a serving plate.

5. Make the Sauce:

   • Pour the reserved soy sauce marinade into the pan. Add the cornstarch mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve:

   • Pour the thickened sauce over the beef and top with the cooked onion rings. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 231 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 10g

• Sodium: 1688mg

• Potassium: 484mg

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 1g

Marinating the Beef: The Key to Flavor

The marination process is the heart of Bistek, infusing the beef with rich, savory flavors. The marinade consists of soy sauce, which imparts a deep umami flavor, and kalamansi juice (or lemon juice), which adds a tangy and slightly citrusy note to the beef. Kalamansi is a small, green citrus fruit native to the Philippines, but lemon juice is a suitable alternative when kalamansi is not available.

For the best flavor, the beef should be marinated for at least one hour, but if you have the time, marinating overnight allows the beef to absorb the marinade more deeply, making the dish even more flavorful. Along with the soy sauce and kalamansi juice, the marinade also includes finely chopped onions, which help enhance the overall flavor profile.

By marinating the beef in this flavorful mixture, the meat becomes more tender and juicy, and when cooked, the beef takes on a rich depth of flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.

Cooking the Onions: A Sweet and Savory Element

Onions play a key role in Bistek, both as part of the marinade and as a topping for the finished dish. The onion rings are cooked separately to achieve a tender, slightly caramelized texture, which adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the beef and the sauce.

To cook the onions, heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion rings. You can cook them until they are tender, or let them caramelize for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Once cooked, set the onions aside. These caramelized onions will be placed on top of the beef at the end, adding both texture and flavor to the dish.

Cooking the Beef: Searing to Perfection

Once the beef has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, and then add the marinated beef. Cook the beef for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it is browned and cooked through. The goal is to sear the beef quickly to lock in the juices, so the texture remains tender.

After the beef is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This method ensures that the beef stays tender and juicy, while the sauce will be used to further infuse the meat with flavor.

Making the Sauce: Thickened and Flavorful

The next step is to make the sauce, which is where all the savory flavors come together. Start by pouring the reserved soy sauce marinade into the pan where you cooked the beef. The marinade contains all the flavors of the beef, soy sauce, kalamansi juice, and onions, and it’s the perfect base for the sauce.

To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch mixture, which is made by dissolving the cornstarch in water. Stir the sauce constantly while bringing it to a simmer. As it heats up, the sauce will thicken and become rich and velvety. This sauce will be poured over the beef, ensuring each bite is coated in the flavorful liquid.

Serving the Bistek: Bringing It All Together

Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve. Pour the rich, savory sauce over the cooked beef and top with the caramelized onion rings. This combination of tender beef, flavorful sauce, and sweet onions makes for a satisfying and hearty meal that is sure to impress.

Serve Bistek immediately, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. The sauce is perfect for soaking into the rice, making it a delicious complement to the tender beef. Bistek is often enjoyed with a simple vegetable side dish, such as sautéed greens or stir-fried vegetables, to round out the meal.

Nutritional Information for Bistek

Each serving of Bistek contains approximately 231 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying meal. The dish provides 27 grams of protein per serving, which is ideal for those looking for a high-protein meal. The fat content is 15 grams, with 10 grams of saturated fat, which comes from the cooking oil and the marinated beef.

Bistek is also low in carbohydrates, with only 5 grams per serving, and contains 2 grams of fiber. This makes it a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets. With 650mg of sodium per serving, the dish is slightly salty due to the soy sauce, but you can adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness to your liking.

The dish contains minimal sugar, with only 1 gram per serving, as the sweetness primarily comes from the caramelized onions and the natural sugars in the marinade. While the fiber content is low, the high protein and satisfying flavor make Bistek a nutritious and well-balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Comforting Filipino Dish

Bistek is a classic Filipino comfort food that combines tender beef, tangy soy sauce, and citrusy kalamansi juice in a savory, rich marinade. The addition of caramelized onions and the thickened sauce creates a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests with something new, Bistek is sure to become a favorite. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish brings a taste of the Philippines to your table and provides a satisfying, comforting meal that everyone will love.