Filipino Beefsteak With Onions
Watch How To Make It:
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Bistek is a simple, high-protein Filipino dish centered on tender beef and caramelized onions. If you love onions, this recipe is a must-try. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and adapts well to pantry substitutions.
My sister, Claudine Castro, a fitness trainer, often includes bistek in her meal rotation because it’s protein-packed and easy to portion. If you keep sliced beef on hand, bistek becomes a regular weeknight favorite.
If you don’t have fresh calamansi juice, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar work well as substitutes. Bottled calamansi also works if you prefer the authentic citrus flavor.
You can prepare this in an Instant Pot or adapt it to a regular pot on the stove—simmer on low for about 40 minutes or until the beef is tender if using conventional cookware.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 large onions
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp sugar
• pinch of salt to taste
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced steak, soy sauce, calamansi juice, and black pepper. Mix to coat the meat evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Peel the onions and cut them into thick rings. Set aside.
3. If using an Instant Pot, select Saute on Normal and heat for a few minutes. Add the oil and sauté the onion rings until they become translucent. Remove half of the sautéed rings and keep them in a separate bowl.
4. Add the marinated meat and any remaining marinade to the Instant Pot. Season with a pinch of salt, stir gently, and secure the lid with the vent set to “Sealing.”
5. Cancel Saute, then select Pressure Cook on Normal with High Pressure. Set the time for 7 minutes.
6. When cooking finishes, carefully release the pressure using a long utensil or oven mitts, keeping your hands and face away from the steam. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid.
7. Cancel Pressure Cook and return to Saute to let the sauce simmer briefly. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding the sugar and more salt if needed. Simmer until the flavors balance and the sauce slightly reduces.
8. Stir in the reserved onion rings for about a minute just to reheat and blend their sweetness into the sauce.
9. Turn off the Instant Pot. Serve the bistek hot with steamed white rice.
Notes:
For deeper flavor, you can brown the beef first in the oil before adding the marinade and liquids. This step adds caramelized notes but is optional if you prefer a quicker method.
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