Bistek Tagalog or Karne Frita, as what we commonly call it here in the western part of Visayas, is a Filipino beef dish made with tender beef, soy sauce, calamansi, and onions.
The dish has a savory and tangy flavor with a mild sweetness.
It uses simple ingredients and requires only a few cooking steps.
Serve Bistek Tagalog with steamed rice for a satisfying Filipino meal.
Ingredients
Prepare the following ingredients before cooking:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving
How to Make Bistek Tagalog
Place the sliced beef in a large bowl.
Add the soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, and black pepper.
Mix well until the marinade coats the beef evenly.
Cover the bowl and marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes.
You can marinate the beef longer for a stronger flavor.
Remove the beef from the marinade and reserve the liquid.
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion rings and cook until they become slightly soft.
Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
Add the marinated beef to the same skillet.
Cook each side for several minutes until lightly browned.
Avoid cooking the beef too long because thin slices can become tough.
Pour the reserved marinade and water into the skillet.
Add the sugar and stir to combine.
Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens.
Return the cooked onions to the skillet.
Cook everything together for another two to three minutes.
Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
Serving Bistek Tagalog
Transfer the cooked beef to a serving plate.
Arrange the onion rings over the beef.
Spoon the sauce over the meat before serving.
Serve Bistek Tagalog with hot steamed rice.
The rice pairs well with the flavorful sauce.
This dish works well for everyday family lunches and dinners.
You can also prepare the beef marinade ahead of time.