Bistek Filipino Beef Steak Recipe

Beef sirloin: Thinly sliced cuts of beef that are tender and cook quickly.

Soy sauce: A salty and savory liquid made from fermented soybeans, essential for marinating the beef.

Calamansi juice: A tart citrus juice that adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with lemon juice.

Garlic: Minced cloves that provide a pungent and aromatic base for the marinade.

Onions: Sliced into rings, these add sweetness and texture to the dish when sautéed.

Black pepper: Ground spice that adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.

Cooking oil: Used for frying the beef and sautéing the onions.

Water: Added to the skillet to create a sauce and help tenderize the beef.

When marinating the beef, ensure it is evenly coated with the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and minced garlic. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more effectively. For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in the refrigerator. When frying the beef, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each slice browns properly. This will enhance the overall taste and texture of your Bistek Filipino.

• thinly sliced beef sirloin - Substitute with pork tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is tender and can absorb the marinade well, making it a good alternative to beef sirloin.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.

• calamansi juice - Substitute with lemon-lime juice mix: A mix of lemon and lime juice can mimic the unique flavor profile of calamansi juice.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, though it has a slightly different texture and intensity.

• sliced into rings onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good alternative.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder and less pungent.

• cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to regular cooking oil, though it has a distinct flavor.

• water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth adds more depth and richness to the dish compared to plain water.

• Allow the beef steak to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.

• Transfer the bistek into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the dish's freshness.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The bistek can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to keep the bistek for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the beef steak into meal-sized servings to make reheating easier.

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for freezing. Label each with the date to keep track of its storage time.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the bistek in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the bistek in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to prevent it from drying out.

• Stir occasionally until the beef steak is heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.

• Serve the reheated bistek with freshly cooked rice and enjoy a meal that tastes just as good as the day it was made.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Bistek Filipino Beef Steak.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep it moist.
  4. Heat until the beef is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the Bistek Filipino Beef Steak to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the Bistek Filipino Beef Steak in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Stir halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the Bistek Filipino Beef Steak in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the beef is heated through.
  4. This method helps retain the moisture and tenderness of the beef.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the Bistek Filipino Beef Steak in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the beef sirloin and onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Used to marinate the beef with soy sauce, calamansi juice, and minced garlic.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping and handling the beef slices while frying.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and water.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Spatula: Helps in sautéing the onion rings and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the beef and onions.

• Serving dish: Used to present the finished bistek Filipino beef steak.

• Rice cooker: Optional but useful for preparing the rice to serve with the bistek.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade and beef the night before to save time on cooking day.

Use pre-sliced beef: Purchase pre-sliced beef sirloin to skip the slicing step.

Quick onion prep: Buy pre-sliced onions or use a food processor to slice them quickly.

One-pan method: Cook the beef and onions in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Instant pot option: Use an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time significantly.