Bistek (Philippine Style Steak)

Prep: 180 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Philippine

Bistek is a Filipino-style beef steak with a tangy soy and lemon marinade, tender beef, and sweet onion rings, perfect for a savory and satisfying meal. Suitable for casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. sirloin steak
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 1 c. thinly sliced onion rings
  • 1/4 c. cooking oil
  • 1/2 c. water
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the meat in lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, and salt for 3 hours or more.
  2. Cook onion rings in cooking oil until transparent. Transfer to a serving dish, leaving the oil in the skillet.
  3. Add the marinated meat to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring often, until tender.
  4. Transfer the cooked meat to a serving dish.
  5. Add the marinade and water to the skillet.
  6. Simmer for 10 minutes, then pour the sauce over the meat and onion rings.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, marinate the sirloin steak for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of soy sauce or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option. To enhance the dish, consider adding garlic or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bistek over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, accompanied by a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Lettie'S Irish Stew for a hearty meal experience. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Bistek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bistek (Philippine Style Steak) contains roughly 642 calories, with 9g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2590mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

642 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 65.6g 84% DV
Carbs 6.6g 2% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2590.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 250.9mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 22.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 18.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sirloin with other cuts like ribeye or flank steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and tougher cuts may require longer marinating or cooking times to achieve tenderness.

Is it necessary to add water to the marinade?

Adding water helps to create a sauce that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of water or omit it altogether, but this may result in a more concentrated flavor.

What can I serve with Bistek?

Bistek is traditionally served with rice, but you can also pair it with mashed potatoes or noodles for a different twist. A fresh cucumber or tomato salad can add a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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