Bistek Tagalog, also known as Filipino beef steak, is a popular dish in the Philippines that is loved for its tangy and savory flavors. It is made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice (Philippine lime), and other seasonings, before cooking it with onions until tender and flavorful.
This delicious dish is not only easy to make, but it also requires simple ingredients that are readily available in your pantry. The combination of soy sauce and calamansi juice gives bistek tagalog its unique and mouthwatering taste. The beef is cooked until tender, making it melt in your mouth with every bite.
To make bistek tagalog, start by marinating the beef slices in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and minced garlic. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Then, sauté onions in a hot pan until caramelized before adding in the marinated beef. Cook the beef until tender, and serve it with steamed rice and a side of vegetables.
Whether you are a Filipino cuisine enthusiast or someone who wants to try a new and delicious dish, bistek tagalog is definitely worth a try. Its savory flavors and succulent beef will surely satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and follow this simple recipe to enjoy a taste of the Philippines in the comfort of your own home.
Authentic Recipe for Bistek Tagalog
If you’re craving the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine, look no further than Bistek Tagalog. This dish, also known as Filipino Beef Steak, is a classic favorite that combines tender beef slices with tangy soy sauce and citrusy calamansi juice. Here’s an authentic recipe that will transport you to the streets of Manila.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with lemon or lime juice)
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the beef slices to the marinade. Make sure each slice is coated with the sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Remove the beef slices from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Sear the beef slices in the hot pan for about 2 minutes on each side, or until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion rings until they become translucent and caramelized.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Add the seared beef slices back into the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Transfer the Bistek Tagalog to a serving dish. Garnish with additional onion rings, if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
This recipe serves about 4 people and can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a small gathering, Bistek Tagalog is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender beef. Enjoy!
Essential Ingredients for Bistek Tagalog
Before you start cooking bistek tagalog, it’s important to gather the essential ingredients. These ingredients are what give this Filipino dish its distinct flavor and make it truly delicious. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
1. Beef Sirloin
The star of the dish is the beef sirloin. Make sure to choose a good quality cut of beef that is tender and flavorful. Aim for thinly sliced beef to ensure quick cooking and easy eating.
2. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in bistek tagalog and adds a rich umami flavor to the dish. Use a good quality soy sauce for the best results.
3. Calamansi Juice
Calamansi juice is a key ingredient in Filipino cuisine and gives bistek tagalog its distinct tangy taste. If calamansi is not available, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon and orange juice.
4. Onion Rings
Thinly sliced onion rings are essential for bistek tagalog. They add both texture and flavor to the dish. Make sure to separate the layers of the onion rings for even cooking.
5. Garlic
Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to bistek tagalog. Crush or mince the garlic cloves before adding them to the dish.
6. Ground Black Pepper
A sprinkle of ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the recipe and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Beef Sirloin | 500 grams |
Soy Sauce | 1/2 cup |
Calamansi Juice | 1/4 cup |
Onion Rings | 2 medium onions |
Garlic | 4 cloves |
Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Bistek Tagalog
Bistek Tagalog is a popular Filipino dish made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a tangy soy sauce and calamansi mixture, then cooked with onions. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the thinly sliced beef into the marinade mixture. Make sure that all the beef slices are coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- In a skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and caramelized.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the marinated beef slices until they are browned on both sides.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet with the beef slices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked.
- Add the caramelized onions back into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Remove the skillet from heat, and transfer the cooked bistek tagalog to a serving plate.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Your Bistek Tagalog is now ready to be enjoyed! This delicious Filipino dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Marinating the Beef for Bistek Tagalog
Marinating the beef is an essential step in preparing Bistek Tagalog. It helps to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it for a delicious and juicy result. Here’s how you can marinate the beef:
- Prepare the beef by cutting it into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
- Add the beef slices to the marinade and make sure they are well-coated. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the beef and marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
- Place the marinating beef in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the beef overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Marinating the beef overnight not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the meat. The soy sauce and calamansi juice (or lemon juice) act as natural tenderizers, making the beef more succulent and flavorful.
Once the beef is marinated, it’s ready to be cooked for Bistek Tagalog. Remember to discard the marinade and pat the beef slices dry before cooking them to avoid excess moisture.
Cooking Bistek Tagalog with Onions and Soy Sauce
Bistek Tagalog, also known as Filipino Beef Steak, is a traditional Filipino dish that is made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a tangy mixture of calamansi juice, soy sauce, and onions. This delicious and flavorful dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a popular meal in the Philippines.
To cook Bistek Tagalog, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of calamansi juice (or you can use lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Bistek Tagalog:
- In a bowl, combine the calamansi juice and soy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic until golden brown.
- Add the marinated beef to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes, until the flavors are well blended.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Optional: You can garnish the Bistek Tagalog with some sliced green onions or parsley for added freshness and presentation.
Tips:
1. For best results, use tender cuts of beef like sirloin or tenderloin.
2. Make sure to slice the beef thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook Bistek Tagalog with onions and soy sauce, you can enjoy this delicious and savory Filipino dish in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with your cooking skills and share the flavors of the Philippines with them!
Q&A
What is bistek tagalog?
Bistek tagalog is a Filipino dish made with beef steak marinated in soy sauce, calamansi juice, and garlic, and then pan-fried and simmered in onions.
How do you cook bistek tagalog?
To cook bistek tagalog, start by marinating beef steak slices in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), and minced garlic. Then, pan-fry the beef until browned and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft and caramelized. Add the marinated beef and simmer until the liquid has reduced. Serve with rice and garnish with fried onions.
Can I use other cuts of beef for bistek tagalog?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef for bistek tagalog. The most commonly used cut is sirloin, but you can also use beef tenderloin, flank steak, or chuck steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for even cooking.
Can I make bistek tagalog in advance?
Yes, you can make the marinade for bistek tagalog in advance and marinate the beef overnight for more flavor. However, it is best to cook the dish just before serving to ensure that the beef is tender and the onions are caramelized.