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Bistek
by Lalaine Manalo last updated January 11, 2019 posted July 10, 2018 42 Comments

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Bistek made of beef slices braised in a mixture of citrus, soy sauce, onions, and garlic.
This Filipino beef steak is hearty, tasty and perfect with steamed rice.

Bistek

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If you noticed, I’ve been doing a lot of recipe throwbacks lately. The blog is five years old,
and a lot has changed since I launched it in January 2013. I’ve learned a few things along
the way, and I’d like to think I’m now more adept at taking pictures or structuring my
posts.

Bringing old recipes to the front of the blog is not only a great way to reintroduce them to
readers but also the perfect opportunity for me to refresh with new cooking tips and
sometimes, new photos.

Today’s throwback, however, is very special to me. Bistek was the very first recipe I
posted on the blog and below is the whole entirety of that post.

“
I checked my Feedburner account today and as I have yet to
post a recipe here, was pleasantly surprised to find I have
already four subscribers. Wow, thank you. If your anticipation
for the deliciousness that’s sure to come doesn’t inspire me to
get cooking, I don’t know what else would. Whoever you are,
I apologize for the delay. I’ve been busy getting my other
cooking blog, Onion Rings and Things, on track, I kind of
sidelined Kawaling Pinoy. But here it is! Our first recipe, Bistek!

I took the new pictures months ago but I am a sentimental old hag, and I didn’t have the
heart to change the post. There’s just something so awful and yet endearing about a very
first, I couldn’t quite decide whether to keep it as is for posterity’s sake or update with
additional information.

After toggling back and forth, I thought I would give this bistek recipe better justice by
adding more “meat.” So, yes, new photos and cooking tips it is. But before we head
further, allow me to get emotional for a quick minute.

Thank you for liking, commenting, sharing, visiting and supporting Kawaling Pinoy. When
I hit “publish” for the very first time, I didn’t realize how much it would change the course
of my life. Being able to own my business and blog full time was all but a pipe dream
then, and I can’t believe I am now living it.

I mean, seriously, FOUR email subscribers when we started, and now you’re 12,500
strong! I can’t be more grateful.

What is Bistek?
Bistek Tagalog is classic Filipino dish made of thinly sliced beef marinated and braised in
a mixture of citrus juice (more commonly, the local fruit, calamansi), soy sauce, onions,
garlic, and pepper. A delicious medley of salty, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s traditionally
served with steamed rice.

Also known as beefsteak, it was adapted from the Spanish bistec encebollado to suit our
local tastes and indigenous ingredients.

Tips on How to Make Bistek

I usually use top round or sirloin for the cut of beef but if you prefer a bit of fat
marbling, chuck roast is a good option.

I remember our cook at home used to pound the sliced beef with a mallet to help
tenderize the meat. Please don’t waste your time; there’s no need. Braising low and
slow will give you a tender enough chew. Just have your butcher cut the beef across
the grain so it won’t be tough and stringy.

Do not skip pan-frying the beef as this step adds incredible flavor. Make sure to
squeeze the marinade well from the meat and pat dry if necessary to ensure a good
sear. Brown on high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a nice outside
crust.

The beef will release a bit of juice when pan-fried. Add it along with the marinade
during braising.

Use the same pan to braise the dish; those browned bits in the pan mean maximum
flavor!

One question I often get for this recipe is what to with the onions and garlic in the
citrus marinade. Squeeze off the marinade and use the aromatics pull the dish
together. Use a fresh piece of onion as the garnish.

I usually wait to season with salt until the sauce is reduced as the depth of flavor
(saltiness etc) concentrates as the liquid evaporates.

The recipe calls for lemon juice because I don’t always have access to calamansi. If
you do, you might need to adjust amounts to as lemon has a stronger acid taste.

Love bistek flavors? Try these crispy chicken livers, chicken or pork versions!

Bistek Tagalog (Filipino Beef

Steak)
Bistek made of beef slices braised in a mixture of
citrus, soy sauce, onions, and garlic. This Filipino
beef steak is hearty, tasty and perfect with steamed
rice.

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time

15 mins 1 hr 1 hr 15 mins
Print Recipe
Course: Main Entree Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bistek, bistek tagalog, Filipino beefsteak Leave a Comment
Servings: 4 Servings Calories: 430kcal
Author: Lalaine Manalo 4.19 from 60 votes

Ingredients
2 pounds top round or sirloin, sliced thinly
2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup juice)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
1 head garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup water
salt to taste
1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings

Get Ingredients
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Instructions
In a bowl, combine beef, lemon juice, soy sauce, sliced onions, garlic, and pepper.
Massage marinade into the meat and marinate for about 30 minutes.
Remove meat, onions, and garlic from marinade, squeezing and reserving excess
liquid.
In a pan over high heat, heat oil. Add beef and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes per side
or until lightly browned. Spoon out and reserve released meat juices during frying.
Remove meat.
In the pan, add onions and garlic, and cook, stirring regularly, until softened. Return
browned beef to pan.
Add reserved marinade and meat juices. Add water and bring to a boil.
Cover, lower heat, and simmer for about 40 to 50 minutes or until meat is fork-tender
and liquid is reduced. Season with salt to taste.
Turn off heat. Garnish with onion rings, if desired, and cover to allow onions to cook
slightly in the steam. Serve hot.

Video

How to Make Bistek Tagalog

Watch later Share

Nutrition
Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g |
Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 961mg | Potassium: 1000mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin
C: 12mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 5mg

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Hello! My name is Lalaine and welcome to Kawaling Pinoy

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Comments

Alma Acu says

August 4, 2019 at 4:58 pm

Hi, Lalaine.
Thank you for Kawaling Pinoy which lately have become my to go site for pinoy recipes. What
attracted me to your site is the ease and simplified way of cooking classic Filipino food, and regional
delicacies that I have learned to enjoy. May you continue to get inspired with more regional and
ethnic recipes to later share with us.

May I know your other blog sites? So I can check on them, too..
Thank you. God bless.

Reply

Lalaine Manalo says

August 9, 2019 at 4:50 am

Hi Alma! Onion Rings and Things and The Recipe Pot. I haven’t had much time to update the
other two

Reply

Alma says
October 26, 2019 at 12:41 pm

Hello Lalaine,
I made this recipe for church potluck and it was a success!!! Thank you!!!

Reply

Lalaine Manalo says

November 25, 2019 at 11:51 pm

I’m glad to hear that, Alma!

Reply

Andrea says
June 24, 2019 at 9:09 am

Another “apprub” by my husband. Thank you so much for this recipe only adjustment he asked
for is using just 1 lemon and to fry the onion rings.

Reply

Lalaine Manalo says

July 8, 2019 at 7:30 pm

The fried onion rings sound yummy! I need to try that one of these days

Reply

Sol Nuneza says

June 14, 2019 at 1:32 pm

I just cooked this today for the first time. It turned out to be perfect. Your Recipes are heaven sent for
me. Thank you.

Reply

Lalaine Manalo says

July 20, 2019 at 3:34 am

Thank you, Sol! That’s great to hear.

Reply

Vhenuz says
March 23, 2019 at 11:38 pm