Filipino beef steak (bistek) is a staple in many households in the Philippines. This must-try recipe is very delicious and simple to make. Serve with steamed white or brown rice or a salad.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce (such as Kikkoman®)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (Optional)
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound beef steak, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided, or as needed
- 4 potatoes, cut into wedges (Optional)
- 1 large onion, cut into rings
- ⅛ cup water (Optional)
Steps
- Combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. Add sliced beef, making sure it is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Fry potatoes in the hot oil until the edges turn golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high heat and fry onions until edges turn brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the same plate.
- Heat the same pan over medium-high heat. Reserve marinade and fry beef in batches, adding more vegetable oil if necessary, until browned and no longer pink in the centers, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to the plate and continue with remaining beef.
- Pour reserved marinade into the pan with water to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings. Return beef back to the pan with some onion, leaving remaining onion for garnish; reduce heat and let simmer until sauce has thickened, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Slide beef and sauce onto a serving plate. Garnish with remaining onion. Place potatoes on the side and serve.