Savor the bold, tangy flavors of the Philippines with this classic Bistek Tagalog - tender beef slices marinated in a magical blend of citrus and soy, then smothered with caramelized onions. This isn't just steak - it's a flavor explosion that represents Filipino comfort food at its finest!
🇵🇭 Authentic Filipino Taste - The perfect balance of salty, sour, and sweet
🍖 Knife-Tender Beef - Marinated to perfection in calamansi and soy sauce
🧅 Caramelized Onion Blanket - The sweet crown that makes this dish iconic
✨ Quality Beef - Use sirloin or ribeye for best results
🍋 Calamansi Power - The secret citrus that makes it distinctly Filipino
🔥 High Heat Sear - For those beautiful caramelized edges
1️⃣ Marinate (1 to 2 hours minimum) - Let the citrus work its tenderizing magic
2️⃣ Sear - Get that beautiful brown crust
3️⃣ Simmer - In the marinade for maximum flavor penetration
4️⃣ Onion Cascade - Top with those glorious golden rings
🍚 Garlic Rice Mountain - The perfect sauce catcher
🥗 With Atchara - The pickled contrast cuts through the richness
🍻 San Miguel Pairing - Because bistek deserves a cold one
This isn't just food - it's a plateful of Filipino heritage that will have you reaching for second helpings! ❤️🔥
For more beef recipes feel free to browse our recipe archive.
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Bistek tagalog, or Beef Steak, is a Filipino dish made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a delicious sauce. The beef is marinated in soy sauce with lemon or calamansi, then simmered gently in its own sauce, adding water until the beef is tender. It's finest served with warm rice. Unlike traditional beefsteak, which can be cooked to various degrees of doneness, Filipino bistek is always cooked to perfection.
Marinate the beef meat. Put lemon or calamansi juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground black pepper on the beef. Mix well to combine and marinate for at least 1 to 2 hours for best results.
Preheat cooking oil in a pot. Sauté sliced onion rings, then remove them from the pot.
Pan fry the marinated beef. Cook on medium heat for at least 1 minute, then remove from pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add cooking oil and sauté the crushed garlic.
Add the marinade sauce, stir and simmer, then add the pan-fried beef.
Add 1 cup of water and simmer longer to tenderize the meat. Cover the pot.
Add the beef broth and simmer again until the beef is fully tender.
Add salt to taste and cover again. Continue simmering it.
Open and check the tenderness of the beef. Add water or beef broth if necessary. Add sugar to taste, adjusting it according to your desired taste.
Add the sautéed sliced onion rings we set aside and continue cooking for about 2 minutes.
Transfer the beef steak to a serving plate. Enjoy eating.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.