Go Back
–+ servings
Closeup of Bistek tagalog or Filipino beefsteak

Bistek (Filipino Beefsteak) Recipe

Bistek Tagalog or Filipino beefsteak is made of marinated and saucy pieces of beef topped with caramelized onion rings. These saucy pieces of beef are perfectly paired with white rice. Consider it a hearty comfort food!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinate 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Filipino
Servings 4 people
Calories 236 kcal
Disclosure

The equipment and ingredients sections contain affiliate links to products I love to use as well as items that I personally believe make this recipe the best version of itself.

Ingredients
 
 

  • 120 ml soy sauce preferably Silver Swan brand
  • 60 ml lemon juice or calamansi juice
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 500 grams thinly sliced sirloin (~ 1 pound)
  • 2 white or yellow onions, sliced into rings
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced optional
  • 200 grams water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch more if you want a thicker sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional for a sweeter flavor

Instructions
 

Marinate Beef

  • In a bowl, add soy sauce, black pepper, lemon juice, and thinly sliced beef. Marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, preferably overnight.
    Marinated beef slices in a glass bowl on a marble countertop

Cook the Beef and Sauce

  • Add oil to a pan on medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and lightly brown. Add a bit of water to help soften onions. Remove onions and set aside.
    Cooked and softened onion rings in a pan
  • Separate the beef from the marinade. Set the marinade aside. Add the beef to the pan and cook each side for 1-2 minutes.
    Beef cooking in a pan with sauces
  • Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until soft and glassy. Pour in marinade and let it simmer on low heat. Add sugar if the taste is too strong.
    Sauteed garlic in a pan cooked with a brown sauce
  • Make cornstarch slurry by adding water and cornstarch. Stir until lumps have disappeared. Add to the pan with sauce.
    Cornstarch slurry in a clear bowl with a small whisk
  • Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 3 minutes.
    Option 1: Add the beef and onions back into the saucepan with the sauce and mix.
    Option 2: Pour the gravy over beef on a serving plate and top with cooked onions.
    Sauteed garlic in a pan cooked with a brown sauce
  • Serve with steamed white rice.
    Bistek tagalog or Filipino beefsteak on top of rice

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 31gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 1721mgPotassium: 606mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated with the Spoonacular Food API and should be used for informational purposes only.
Keyword asian breakfast, asianfood, beef, beefsteak, bistek, easy chicken thigh recipe, easy filipino food, filipinofood, simple chicken recipe