Filipino Bistek

Savor the rich and savory flavors of Filipino Bistek, a beloved Filipino dish that combines tender slices of beef sirloin or round steak with a tangy marinade of soy sauce and calamansi juice (or lemon juice). Infused with the warmth of garlic, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this classic recipe is both comforting and irresistibly flavorful. The beef is marinated to perfection and then cooked to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish, all in just under an hour. Served over steamed white rice, this dish is a staple of Filipino home cooking, delivering a delightful balance of saltiness and citrusy brightness in every bite. Whether you're exploring traditional Filipino cuisine or looking for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner, Bistek Tagalog is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef sirloin or round steak
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 0.25 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Slice the beef into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), and ground black pepper. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3

While the beef marinates, peel and slice the onions into rings. Mince the garlic. Set both aside.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and slightly translucent. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Take the beef out of the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Cook the beef in batches over medium-high heat for about 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Do not overcrowd the skillet.

Step 7

Once all the beef is cooked, pour the reserved marinade and 1/4 cup of water into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10–15 minutes or until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 8

Add the sautéed onions back into the skillet and season with salt to taste. Let everything simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 9

Serve hot over steamed white rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1138.3 grams (1138.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1644

Total Fat 93.10g	119%
Saturated Fat 26.10g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 375mg	125%
Sodium 3775mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 52.80g	19%
Dietary Fiber 6.70g	24%
Total Sugars 20.80g
Protein 147.20g	294%

Vitamin D 35IU	175%
Calcium 186mg	14%
Iron 15mg	86%
Potassium 2544mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.2%

Protein: 35.9%

Carbs: 12.9%