Filipino Bistek Recipe: Beef Steak Made in Heaven

After I married my young, lovely Filipina bride 34 years ago I soon learned that her idea of "beef steak" was radically different from the idea that I grew up with. Seems in the Philippines they don't really throw a 16 ounce t-bone on the skillet and serve with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes.

Instead... they slice it thinly, and stir fry it with onions. It's called "bistek" which is the Spanish word for "beef" which is about the only Spanish influnce on the dish.

As it turns out... it happens to be absolutely delicious and we've had it a couple of times a month for decades now. My kids consider it one of their true comfort foods for when they are feeling down... a little bistek and the world seems much better.

And, once in a while, I get my t-bone steak.

:-)

Simple to make, nothing exotic in the ingredients list, and you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Ingredients :

1 lb of beef (round, sirloin or tenderloin), sliced 1/4-inch thick and about 1-inch in length.

4 tbsp. of kalamansi (Filipino native lemon) juice, or either lime/lemon make a more than adequate substitute.

1/4 c. of Kikoman dark soy sauce

freshly-ground pepper

1 tsp. of minced garlic

2 large onions, cut into rings

2 tbsp. of cooking oil

Cooking procedure :

In a glass mixing bowl, mix kalamansi or lemon juice and soy sauce. Add beef, garlic and ground pepper. Mix well. Let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Heat a heavy skillet. Add oil. Lightly fry the onion rings. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in oven.

Reheat oil until smoking. Pan-fry the beef slices in batches, removing them as they brown. When all the beef has been cooked, pour the marinade into the skillet and boil for 5 minutes. Arrange beef slices on a plate. Place the onion rings on top. Pour the sauce over the onions and beef. Serve at once with rice.

Prepare to fix over and over again as your family demands it.

If you like this recipe I invite you to browse around my hubs for more. I am sure you'll find something that you'll like.