Step 1: Marinating the Beef
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Beef
- Pan-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Take the marinated beef out of the fridge and drain it, reserving the marinade for later.
- Cook the Beef in Batches: Sear the beef slices in the hot pan until they are browned on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Set the cooked beef aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: In the same pan, pour the reserved marinade and add a small amount of water or beef broth if it’s too thick. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Finishing with Caramelized Onions
- Sauté the Onions: In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion rings until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan and toss it with the onions and the reduced marinade. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: Serve the Bistek Tagalog over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- With Vegetables: Pair it with sautéed green beans, asparagus, or a side of garlic kangkong (water spinach) for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and add some extra onion rings on top for presentation.
6. Tips for the Best Bistek
- Thinly Slice the Beef: Make sure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Sear the beef quickly over high heat to avoid drying it out.
- Use Fresh Calamansi: If available, fresh calamansi juice offers the most authentic flavor. If substituting, lemon or lime juice works well but may require slight adjustments in quantity.
7. Variations and Customizations
- Add Potatoes: Some versions of Bistek include fried potato wedges, adding another layer of comfort to the dish.
- Use Pork or Chicken: You can easily substitute the beef with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different twist.
- Sweeter Flavor: For a slightly sweeter version, add a bit of brown sugar to the sauce.
8. FAQs and Storage Tips
- How Long Can I Store Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I Freeze Bistek? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a pan with a splash of water or broth.
- How Do I Reheat the Dish? Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
9. Conclusion: A Filipino Comfort Food Favorite
This Pinoy Beef Steak (Bistek Tagalog) recipe is a go-to dish when you want something easy yet flavorful. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you crave the familiar taste of Filipino comfort food. With its tender beef, savory-tangy sauce, and caramelized onions, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Filipino dish, perfect with a steaming bowl of rice and shared with loved ones!