Bistek Tagalog
Filipino beef steak — thin slices of beef sirloin braised in a bold soy-calamansi marinade, topped with crispy caramelised onion rings.
About This Recipe
Bistek Tagalog is the Filipino adaptation of the Spanish bistec (beefsteak), transformed through the addition of soy sauce and calamansi into something distinctly Filipino. The combination of salty, sour, and savoury in the braising liquid tenderises the beef beautifully, while the caramelised onion rings on top add sweetness and visual appeal. It is quintessential Filipino home cooking.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500 gbeef sirloin(thinly sliced)
- 80 mlsoy sauce
- 60 mlcalamansi or lemon juice
- 1 tspblack pepper
- 3 largeonions(sliced into thick rings)
- 3 clovesgarlic(minced)
- 3 tbspoil
- 200 mlwater
- 1 tspsugar
Instructions
- 1
Marinate
Marinate beef in soy sauce, calamansi juice, and pepper for 30 min.
- 2
Sear beef
Pan-fry beef quickly over high heat in oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Sauté onions
In the same pan, cook onion rings until softened and lightly caramelised. Remove and set aside.
- 4
Simmer
Add garlic, marinade, water, and sugar to the pan. Add beef back. Simmer 15 min until tender and sauce reduces.
- 5
Serve
Top beef with onion rings. Serve with steamed white rice.
Pro Tips
- →
Slice the beef as thin as possible — ½ cm or less — so it tenderises quickly.
Variations
- •
Use pork tenderloin instead of beef
- •
Add oyster mushrooms for umami
- •
Finish with a squeeze of extra calamansi
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days. The beef continues to tenderise and absorb the sauce — excellent the next day.
History & Origin
Bistek Tagalog evolved from Spanish-era cooking as Filipino cooks adapted European beefsteak preparations using local seasonings. The soy sauce and citrus combination reflects the Chinese and indigenous influences that shaped Tagalog cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular lemon instead of calamansi?
Yes — calamansi is a small Filipino citrus; lemon juice is the standard substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Time Summary
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