Bistek Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Marinate
1 hr
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
231 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Filipino, International
Bistek Recipe
Description
Bistek Recipe features thinly sliced sirloin beef, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, citrus juice (kalamansi or lemon), and finely chopped onions to infuse the meat with flavor and to tenderize. The beef is quickly cooked over medium-high heat to maintain tenderness. Onion rings are sautéed separately to either soft or caramelized, then arranged on top of the cooked beef. The reserved marinade is thickened with a cornstarch slurry over low heat, creating a glossy sauce with concentrated flavor that is poured over the beef and onions.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, absorbing the sauce and balancing the savory and citrus notes. The choice to cook or serve fresh onions adds a variation in texture from caramelized softness to crisp sweetness. The marinade’s acidity helps tenderize the beef while the cornstarch-thickened sauce adds body to the dish.
For best results, the meat should be pounded before marinating to ensure tenderness. Avoid overcooking the sirloin to prevent chewiness. Seeds from the citrus should be excluded from the marinade to avoid bitterness. Adjust sauce thickness or intensity by adding more soy sauce and water to taste during the simmering step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin - sliced thinly and pounded
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup kalamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1 small onion - chopped finely
- 2-3 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 big onion - cut into rings
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the beef slices in a bowl or container with lid. Add soy sauce, kalamansi or lemon juice, and chopped onions. Mix well with your hands. Cover and let it marinate for at least an hour or overnight for better flavor absorption.
- Squeeze the meat with your hands to remove excess marinade from the meat. Transfer meat into a plate. Set the marinade aside for later use.
- Dissolve cornstarch in half cup of water. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion rings and cook according to preference. Just until slightly tender or totally caramelized. Remove from oil and set aside.
- On the same pan, add the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Transfer cooked beef slices on a serving plate. Top with cooked onions.
- Still on the same pan over low heat, pour the soy sauce marinade. Add the cornstarch mixture and bring to a simmer while stirring constantly. Cook until sauce becomes thicker.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and onions. Serve.
Notes
- Pounding the sirloin before marinating softens the meat and enhances tenderness.
- Use chopped onions in the marinade to enrich the sauce's flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the beef to prevent toughness; quick, high-heat cooking works best.
- Consider serving with raw onion rings for a crunchy, sweet contrast instead of cooked ones.
- Exclude seeds from citrus juice to avoid imparting bitterness to the marinade.
- For a saucier dish, increase soy sauce by 1/4 cup and add half a cup of water when simmering sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 231kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 1688mg | 70% |
| Potassium | 484mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 7.2mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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