Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this flavorful Filipino beef dish.

And for good reasonfragrant citrus combined with salty soy sauce is hard to resist.

The short list of ingredients is likely already in your pantry and easy to find in supermarkets.

Plate of Bistek Topped With Onions Next to a Bowl of Rice

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Bistek is such a crowd-pleaser that it can transcend from an everyday family meal to elegant party fare.

Serve this quick and easy savory dish with a side of steamed rice anda veggiefor a wholesome meal.

What is Bistek?

Plate of Bistek Topped With Onions Next to a Bowl of Rice

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

The thin, tender slices of beef are braised in citrus and soy sauce until tender.

My Mom used to make bistek a lot with the calamansi that grew in our backyard in Tarlac.

The addition of a refreshing lime-like scent from the sauce surrounds the house invitingly.

Beef Slices Tenderized Using a Meat Tenderizer for Bistek Recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Aside from the beef, this recipe needs only a few ingredients.

If calamansi (whether fresh or frozen concentrate) is not available, use lemons.

When in season,Meyer lemonsare closest in flavor and tartness to calamansi.

Baking Soda Added to Beef Slices in a Bowl Next to a Pale Beige Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Use white onions for a milder flavor.

If you prefer a more robust taste, red onions give a sharp accompaniment to the meat.

What Kind of Beef to Use for Bistek

Beef sirloin cuts are traditionally used to make bistek.

Slice of Beef on a Spatula Raised From a Bowl of Water (the Baking Soda Is Being Rinsed Off Beef Slices)

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Its also a good idea to pound the already thin-sliced beef with a meat mallet before marinating.

The results will be soft, velvety slices of bistek, cooked in the simplest, easiest way.

Refresh it with newly-cooked, crunchy onions and its as good as new.

Beef Slices in a Bowl of Marinade Next to a Striped Kitchen Towel for Filipino Bistek Recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Cut the beef crosswise into pieces that are 4 inches long.

Simple Tip!

Transfer the beef to a large bowl and sprinkle the baking soda all over.

Onions Cooking in a Cast Iron Skillet, and Next to It, an Empty Plate and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Rub the baking soda into all sides of the meat.

Let sit for 15 minutes.

Rinse the baking soda off of the beef.

Minced Garlic and Some Onion Slices Cooking in the Cast Iron Skillet, and Next to It, a Plate of Cooked Onions and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Set aside in a mixing bowl.

Add the calamansi juice (or lemon), soy sauce, and black pepper to the beef.

Incorporate the ingredients well.

Bistek Cooking in a Cast Iron Skillet With Some of the Onion Slices After Being Flipped, and Next to the Cast Iron Skillet, a Plate With Cooked Onions and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Marinate the beef for 30 minutes.

If your kitchen is warm, transfer the bowl to the fridge.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.

Marinade Added to the Bistek and Onions in the Cast Iron Skillet, and Next to It, a Plate With Cooked Onions and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

When the oil is hot enough, add the sliced onions to the skillet.

Using a slotted spoon, remove most of the cooked onions and set aside for the garnish later.

Leave about 1/4 of the onions in the skillet to cook with the beef.

Bistek and Onions Cooking in the Marinade in the Cast Iron Skillet Next to the Plate With Onions and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Remove the beef from the marinade in the bowl and set aside the liquids.

Add the pieces of beef to the skillet.

Do not overlap so that the beef cooks evenly.

Plate of Bistek Topped With Onions Next to a Two Glasses, Lemon Wedge on the Counter and More in a Bowl, a Bowl of Rice, and a Light Blue Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Cook the beef, flipping halfway, until it is well done, about 10 minutes.

Pour the marinade over the beef.

Add the beef broth or water.

Continue cooking until the liquid boils for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Taste, adding salt only if needed.

Arrange the beef on a large, rimmed serving platter.

Pour the sauce over the beef.

Garnish the top of the meat with the reserved onions.

Serve warm with steamed rice.

Keep leftover bistek refrigerated in non-reactive food containers for up to 1 week.

you’re able to also freeze for up to 1 month.

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