Discover the delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine with this classic Bistek recipe. Tender beef steak is marinated in soy sauce and cooked with onions for a savory and satisfying dish. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this Filipino-style beef steak is a great addition to any dinner table. Learn how to make this flavorful dish with our step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup beef broth

- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Marinate the Beef:

  - In a bowl, combine soy sauce and calamansi juice. Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Beef:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook in the skillet until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  - In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.

Add Broth and Seasonings:

  - Pour in the beef broth, reserved marinade, and oyster sauce. Stir in the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer:

  - Return the beef to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

  - If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Serve:

  - Serve the Bistek hot over steamed rice. Garnish with additional onions if desired.

Enjoy your Filipino-style beef steak with its rich, savory flavors and tender beef slices!

Nutritional Values

Beef Sirloin or Round Steak - 1 lb (450g)

 - Calories: 200 kcal

 - Protein: 22 grams

 - Fat: 12 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Soy Sauce - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 10 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

 - Sodium: 900 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds umami flavor and saltiness.

 - Contains small amounts of protein.

Calamansi Juice (or Lemon Juice) - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 4 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

 - Adds tangy flavor to balance the dish.

Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons

 - Calories: 120 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: ~14 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats for cooking.

 - Helps in sautéing and adds richness to the dish.

Onion - 1 large

 - Calories: 60 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 14 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and aroma.

 - Contains antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C.

Garlic - 4 cloves

 - Calories: 4 kcal

 - Protein: 0.2 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

 - Enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Beef Broth - 1 cup

 - Calories: 15 kcal

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds depth of flavor and richness.

 - Provides some protein and essential minerals.

Oyster Sauce - 2 tablespoons

 - Calories: 9 kcal

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

 - Sodium: ~400 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds a savory umami flavor.

 - Contains some protein and essential minerals.

Sugar - 1 tablespoon

 - Calories: 49 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 13 grams

Benefits:

 - Balances the savory flavors with sweetness.

 - Provides quick energy.

Salt and Pepper - To taste

 - Sodium: 2300 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Pepper adds a hint of spice and may have antioxidant properties.

Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

 - Calories: 30 kcal

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 7 grams

Benefits:

 - Thickens sauces and gravies to improve texture.

This combination of ingredients will give your dish a rich, savory flavor with a balance of tangy, sweet, and salty notes.