1. Marinate the Beef:
- Combine the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice (or lemon juice), minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
- Marinate the Beef:
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. Cook the Beef:
- Sauté the Onions:
- In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil. Remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and add the beef slices to the pan. Cook the beef in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the beef on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Deglaze the Pan:
- In the same pan, pour in the marinade along with the water. Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the sugar (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the Beef and Onions:
- Return the cooked beef and sautéed onions to the pan. Toss everything together until the beef is well coated with the sauce and heated through.
4. Serve:
- Garnish:
- Transfer the Bistek to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy the savory and tangy flavors of this classic Filipino dish.
Tips for Success:
- Tenderize the Beef: If your beef slices are a bit tough, you can tenderize them with a meat mallet before marinating.
- Calamansi Substitution: If calamansi is unavailable, lemon juice or a combination of lemon and lime juice works as a good substitute.
- Onions: Adjust the amount of onions based on your preference; some people like their Bistek with more onions for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Bistek is a comforting and flavorful Filipino dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory soy sauce, tangy calamansi juice, and tender beef makes it a hit at the dinner table. Paired with steamed rice, this dish offers a satisfying and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Enjoy this delicious taste of Filipino cuisine!