Bistek
Discover this authentic Filipino Bistek recipe — a rewarding dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with beef, soy sauce, lemon and 5 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 8 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 75 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this filipino classic is sure to impress.
15
Prep Time (min)
60
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
450
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef
- 5 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 Lemon
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 3 parts Onion
- 4 tbs Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
8 steps · ~84 minutes total
Step 1
Marinate beef in soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi), and ground black pepper for at least 1 hour. Note: marinate overnight for best result
30 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 2
Heat the cooking oil in a pan then pan-fry half of the onions until the texture becomes soft. Set aside
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 3
Drain the marinade from the beef. Set it aside. Pan-fry the beef on the same pan where the onions were fried for 1 minute per side. Remove from the pan. Set aside
8 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 4
Add more oil if needed. Saute garlic and remaining raw onions until onion softens.
8 minutesMake sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.Step 5
Pour the remaining marinade and water. Bring to a boil.
10 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 6
Add beef. Cover the pan and simmer until the meat is tender. Note: Add water as needed.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 7
Season with ground black pepper and salt as needed. Top with pan-fried onions.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 8
Transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!
2 minutesWarm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your filipino meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Bistek is a beloved dish from Filipino cuisine, originating in Philippines. With a total preparation time of about 75 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Filipino cuisine reflects the country's rich history and multicultural influences — Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American. It is known for its bold, savory-sweet flavor profiles.
This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best cuts of beef for Bistek are sirloin or flank steak, as they are tender and absorb the marinade well.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
