Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog

Delight in the rich, comforting flavors of Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog, a wholesome twist on the traditional Filipino classic. This recipe swaps traditional cuts of meat for lean beef sirloin and uses low-sodium soy sauce to create a dish that's both flavorful and mindful of your wellness goals. Infused with the bright tang of fresh calamansi juice and simmered with aromatic garlic, bay leaf, and sweet onion rings, this stovetop favorite is tender, savory, and irresistibly satisfying. Perfectly balanced with only a tablespoon of canola oil, it’s a lighter alternative without compromising the signature Bistek Tagalog taste. Serve it with rice and sprinkle optional green onions or red chili flakes for added vibrance and a hint of spice. This heart-healthy Filipino recipe proves that nutritious and delicious can go hand in hand!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean beef sirloin
• 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 60 ml fresh calamansi juice
• 120 ml water
• 2 pieces (medium, sliced into rings) onions
• 3 cloves (minced) garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 pieces (chopped) optional: fresh green onions
• 0.5 teaspoons optional: red chili flakes

Directions

Step 1

Slice the lean beef sirloin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps the meat cook evenly and quickly, keeping it tender.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce and fresh calamansi juice. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 3

Prepare the onions by slicing them into thick rings and set aside.

Step 4

In a nonstick skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 5

Add the marinated beef strips into the skillet, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the beef until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the reserved marinade along with 120 ml of water and add the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 7

After simmering, add the onion rings to the skillet. Stir them gently into the beef and sauce. Allow them to cook until they are soft but still hold their shape, about 5 more minutes.

Step 8

Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and add the optional ingredients like chopped green onions and red chili flakes for color and a hint of spice, if desired.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Plate the Heart-Healthy Bistek Tagalog, ensuring each serving comes with a generous amount of sauce and onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1018 grams (1018.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1324

Total Fat 64.40g	83%
Saturated Fat 21.10g	106%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.60g
Cholesterol 375mg	125%
Sodium 2302mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 32.60g	12%
Dietary Fiber 5.70g	20%
Total Sugars 16.60g
Protein 146.40g	293%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 156mg	12%
Iron 17mg	93%
Potassium 2149mg	46%

*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: 44.7%

Protein: 45.2%

Carbs: 10.1%