Bistek / Bistek Tagalog

"The most indispensable ingredient of all good home cooking : love for those you are cooking for." ~Sophia Loren

Bistek or Bistek Tagalog is an authentic Filipino dish made of thinly sliced beef or beef strips marinated in calamansi and soy sauce. Sirloin is the best when making Bistek, the right amount of fat in the sirloin makes it the best choice. It makes the dish more flavorful and its tender at the same time.

I made the bistek last Sunday, Father's day. Just so you know, my mother-in-law makes the best bistek so I'm a bit nervous when I cooked it (not sure if hubby will like my cooking). I just breathed a sigh of relief when my hubby and son praised me. My eldest told me that this is best "adobo" he ever tasted. Adobo!??? LOL! Anyhow, my heart was very happy because they loved it! 

INGREDIENTS:
600 grams good quality beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
1/2 cup soy sauce
juice of 10 calamansi
1 head garlic, minced and toasted
1 big onion, sliced into rings, reserve half for garnish
1/4 to 1/2 cup water
1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar
salt and pepper to taste
4 Tbsp canola or any vegetable oil

PROCEDURE:
1. Combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, sugar, and a dash of pepper in a large bowl. Whisk it until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add in the beef sirloin and marinate it for at least an hour.
2. Put the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet or pan. Cook half of the onion until translucent and slightly browned on the sides, remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan/skillet, pan-fry the sirloin over med-high heat, about 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Set aside.
3. In the same pan/skillet, add in the marinade and water. Once boiling, add the fried sirloin. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper if needed.
4. Before removing from heat, add the toasted garlic and the sauteed onions.
4. Serve it with fresh onion rings on top. Perfect with hot rice. Share and enjoy!

QUICK NOTES:
1. You may also use other cuts of beef like the tenderloin and round (top or bottom). 
2. If using "no fat" cuts of beef like tenderloin, make sure not to overcook the beef. Reduce the time of cooking.
3. You can also try using pork instead of beef. 
4. If calamansi is not available, use lime or lemon.

Happy day always, 

Rhea