How to Make Bistek (Filipino Beef Steak) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Bistek, also known as Filipino beef steak, is a classic dish in Filipino cuisine that is loved for its savory and tangy flavors. This dish is a perfect combination of tender beef slices cooked in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon) juice, and onions. Bistek is typically served with steamed rice and is a popular comfort food that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

The name "bistek" is derived from the English word "beefsteak," which reflects the dish's Spanish infl...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup soy sauce (such as Kikkoman®)
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (Optional)
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound beef steak, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided, or as needed
  • 4 potatoes, cut into wedges (Optional)
  • 1 large onion, cut into rings
  • ⅛ cup water (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. Add sliced beef, making sure it is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Fry potatoes in the hot oil until the edges turn golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high heat and fry onions until edges turn brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the same plate.
  • Heat the same pan over medium-high heat. Reserve marinade and fry beef in batches, adding more vegetable oil if necessary, until browned and no longer pink in the centers, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to the plate and continue with remaining beef.
  • Pour reserved marinade into the pan with water to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings. Return beef back to the pan with some onion, leaving remaining onion for garnish; reduce heat and let simmer until sauce has thickened, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Slide beef and sauce onto a serving plate. Garnish with remaining onion. Place potatoes on the side and serve.
  • Nutrition

    445 cal.

    • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg
    • Sodium: 1953mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 48g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 26g
    • Vitamin C: 50mg
    • Calcium: 56mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 1300mg