Bistek Tagalog: Filipino Beef Steak with Onions
Bistek Tagalog is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases tender cubed steak marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce and zesty lemon juice. This hearty meal is often enhanced with the addition of sautéed onions, and can also incorporate fresh carrots and green beans for a colorful presentation. The dish bursts with umami flavors, making it a perfect pairing for steaming jasmine rice. Not only is this dish a staple in Filipino households, but it also serves as a symbol of comfort food, bringing families together around the dining table. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of savory and tangy notes that leave a lasting impression.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cube steak
3 lbs (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (low sodium recommended)
Pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Water
1 cup (as needed)
MSG
1 pinch (optional)
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons (mixed with 1/4 cup water)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
Carrot
1/2 cup (sliced)
String green beans
1/2 cup (trimmed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your ingredients: slice the onions, carrots, and green beans if using. Mince the garlic cloves.
2
In a large skillet or pan, combine the cubed steak, minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, and MSG. Pour in the water and mix thoroughly.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half and the steak is tender.
4
If you are using carrots and green beans, add them to the skillet during the last 10 minutes of simmering, allowing them to cook until tender but still vibrant in color.
5
Once the vegetables are tender, slowly add the cornstarch mixed with water while stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6
Serve the Bistek Tagalog hot, garnished with sautéed onions, alongside fluffy jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bistek Tagalog?
Bistek Tagalog is a beloved Filipino beef steak dish marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce and zesty lemon juice, typically served with onions.
What cut of beef is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of cube steak that has been thinly sliced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use lime instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, lime is a common substitute in Filipino cooking if lemon is unavailable.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
A low sodium soy sauce is recommended for this recipe.
Is MSG required for Bistek Tagalog?
No, MSG is listed as an optional ingredient for those who wish to enhance the savory flavor.
How long should the beef simmer?
The beef should simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half and the steak is tender.
What vegetables are included in this version of Bistek?
In addition to onions, this recipe incorporates sliced carrots and string green beans.
How do I thicken the Bistek sauce?
The sauce is thickened by adding 3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water during the last few minutes of cooking.
When should I add the carrots and green beans?
Add the carrots and green beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering so they become tender but remain vibrant.
What is the best way to serve Bistek Tagalog?
It is best served hot, garnished with sautéed onions, alongside steaming jasmine rice.
How much water is added to the marinade?
One cup of water is added to the skillet along with the marinade ingredients.
What is the initial cooking temperature?
The mixture should first be brought to a rolling boil over medium-high heat before reducing to a simmer.
Do I need to cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, the skillet should be covered while simmering on low heat.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of soy sauce.
What kind of onions should I use?
One medium onion, sliced, is used for the dish and as a garnish.
How much carrot is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced carrots.
How many string green beans are required?
You will need 1/2 cup of trimmed string green beans.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, Bistek Tagalog is a staple Filipino comfort food known for bringing families together.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the skillet.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a satisfying combination of savory, tangy, and umami notes.
Can I add more pepper?
Yes, while the recipe suggests a pinch, you can add pepper to taste.
How long do you cook the sauce after adding cornstarch?
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
What is the prep work for the green beans?
The string green beans should be trimmed before cooking.
Should the steak be cubed or sliced?
While called 'cubed steak' in some regions, this recipe specifically instructs to use it thinly sliced.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Filipino cuisine, beef steak, comfort food, easy dinner, and savory.
How much cornstarch is used for the slurry?
Three tablespoons of cornstarch are used.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Does the recipe require marinating time before cooking?
In this specific version, the ingredients are combined in the pan and brought to a boil immediately without a separate marination period.
How much liquid should remain after simmering?
The liquid should be reduced by approximately half of its original volume.