Bistek Pobre: Filipino Poor Man's Steak
Bistek Pobre, a beloved Filipino comfort food, is a scrumptious take on the traditional Bistek, incorporating tender slices of sirloin steak marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, lemon, and spices. This variation is a staple on my family's dinner table, cherished for its versatility. Whether you prefer it with vibrant chopped carrots for added sweetness or garnished with fresh spring onions for a fragrant touch, this dish adapts to your personal taste. Serve it over a steaming bed of rice, and experience a burst of flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's a dish that brings the warmth of home cooking right to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sirloin Steak
1/2 kg (Thinly sliced)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (Reserve half for later)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Pounded)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 tablespoon (None)
Fish Sauce
1 teaspoon (None)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Use calamansi or Filipino lime if possible)
Oil
1 teaspoon (For marinating)
White Onion
1 large (Sliced into thick rings (substitute with chopped spring onions if desired))
Cooking Oil
3 tablespoons (For stir-frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by patting the beef slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, lemon juice, fish sauce, pounded garlic, ground black pepper, and oil. Add the beef slices and toss to coat evenly. Allow marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
3
Heat a large pan or wok over high heat until it's smoking hot. Add 3 tablespoons of oil and stir-fry the marinated beef with its marinade for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.
4
Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining teaspoon of sugar along with the thick onion rings. Sauté until the onions become translucent and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
Once the onions are ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions or any preferred vegetable before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bistek Pobre?
Bistek Pobre is a Filipino comfort food consisting of thinly sliced sirloin steak marinated in soy sauce, lemon, and spices, served with caramelized onions.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak is recommended for this recipe, though it should be sliced thinly for the best results.
How long should I marinate the beef?
For the flavors to properly infuse, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I use Calamansi instead of lemon juice?
Yes, Calamansi or Filipino lime is actually preferred and provides a more authentic flavor to the dish.
Why should I pat the beef dry before marinating?
Patting the beef dry removes excess moisture, which helps you achieve a better sear when stir-frying.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, fish sauce, pounded garlic, ground black pepper, and a teaspoon of oil.
How do I cook the onions?
The onions should be sliced into thick rings and sautéed with a bit of sugar until they are translucent and lightly caramelized.
What is the cooking time for the beef?
The beef should be stir-fried over high heat for about 5 minutes or until it is cooked through and tender.
Can I add other vegetables to Bistek Pobre?
Yes, you can add vibrant chopped carrots for sweetness or garnish with fresh spring onions.
What should I serve with Bistek Pobre?
It is best served over a steaming bed of white rice to soak up the savory sauce.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Fish sauce adds a depth of umami flavor, but you can adjust the seasoning to your preference if you choose to omit it.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of pounded garlic.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Any standard cooking oil works; use 3 tablespoons for the stir-frying process.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper for a bold flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef in advance and cook it quickly when you are ready to serve.
Why is it called 'Poor Man's Steak'?
It is referred to as 'Pobre' or poor man's steak because it uses simple, accessible ingredients and affordable cuts of beef to create a delicious meal.
Should the heat be high when cooking the beef?
Yes, use high heat until the pan is smoking hot to ensure the meat cooks quickly and stays tender.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
Sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and helps the onions caramelize.
Can I use red onions instead of white?
While white onions are traditional for their sweetness, red onions can be used as a substitute.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 1/2 kg of beef, this recipe typically serves 2 to 3 people.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large wok is excellent for stir-frying the beef at high heat.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Slice the beef thinly across the grain and avoid overcooking it on the high heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce and fish sauce.
What is the texture of the onions?
The onions should be soft and translucent but still hold their ring shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients, but you may need to cook the beef in batches to maintain high heat.
What can I substitute for lemon juice if I have no citrus?
In a pinch, a small amount of white vinegar can provide the necessary acidity, though citrus is preferred.
Does this recipe use salt?
The saltiness primarily comes from the soy sauce and fish sauce, so additional salt is usually not needed.
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but ensure the beef is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What makes the sauce thick?
The combination of the marinade and the natural juices from the beef creates a light, flavorful sauce.
Is Bistek Pobre spicy?
No, it is not spicy; it is savory and tangy, though the black pepper provides a slight warmth.