Go Back
Bistek
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

How to Cook Bistek Recipe (Filipino Beef Steak)

Learn how to make the perfect Bistek Tagalog, a Filipino beef steak delicacy. Master the marinade, sautéed onions, and cooking techniques for a flavorful dish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bistek tagalog, filipino beef steak
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 468kcal
Author: Manny

Equipment

  • frying pan

Ingredients

  • 500 grams beef sliced thinly
  • 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 8 pieces calamansi (extract juice)
  • 2 Tbsp. Knorr liquid seasoning
  • 1 cup soup stock
  • 4 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 pcs big onion sliced into rings
  • ground pepper
  • MSG to taste optional

Instructions

How to cook bistek:

  • Marinate beef in calamansi juice, soy sauce, Knorr liquid seasoning, pepper, and MSG for at least an hour.
  • To make soup stock, boil beef or pork bones and add onion and garlic. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours then use the broth as soup stock.
  • In a pan, heat some oil and stir fry onions until half cooked. Set aside.
  • Fry beef in oil until brown. Add soup stock and marinade then boil until meat becomes tender.
  • Add more water if necessary until the beef is tender and there is some liquid left.
  • Season to taste. Garnish with onion rings. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips for Perfect Bistek Tagalog

  1. Marination Magic: Ensure to marinate the beef for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  2. Thinly Slice the Beef: Opt for thin slices of beef to ensure even cooking and faster absorption of the marinade, resulting in tender and flavorful bistek.
  3. Sauté Onions to Sweetness: Take the time to sauté the onions until they are half-cooked. This process enhances their natural sweetness, adding a delightful caramelized flavor to the dish.
  4. Careful Browning: When frying the beef, aim for a golden brown color. Avoid overcooking as it can lead to tough and chewy meat.
  5. Adjust Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the liquid levels while simmering the beef. Add more water or soup stock if necessary to prevent the dish from drying up and ensure a delicious, saucy consistency.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Regularly taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Balance the flavors of the marinade, soy sauce, and calamansi juice to create a well-rounded taste.
  7. Garnish for a Finishing Touch: Don't forget to garnish your bistek Tagalog with fresh onion rings. These add a delightful crunch and complement the dish's flavors.

Nutrition Notes:

Calorie and other nutrition information is derived from HappyFolks.Com recipe nutrition calculator. The percent daily value (%DV) is based on a daily 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutrition Information:

Amount per Serving:468g, Calories:1161kcal, From fat:908,  Total fat:101.4g, Saturated Fat:34.4g, Trans Fat:0.2g, Cholesterol: 178mg, Sodium: 1148g, Total Carbohydrate: 16g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 47g, Vitamin C: 16%, Vitamin A: 7%, Calcium: 5%, Iron: 32%