How to Cook Bistek Tagalog | Classic Filipino Beef Steak Recipe

Bistek Tagalog, also known as Filipino Beef Steak, is a classic comfort food loved for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. This traditional dish combines thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, garlic, and pepper, then simmered until tender. The beef is topped with caramelized onion rings, which balance the saltiness of the sauce with a hint of sweetness. Simple yet flavorful, Bistek is often served with steaming white rice, making it a staple in Filipino homes and gatherings. Its rich sauce and melt-in-your-mouth beef make it a go-to recipe for families who want a satisfying and hearty meal.

Cooking Bistek Tagalog at home is easy and budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The key to a delicious Bistek lies in allowing the beef to marinate long enough to absorb the flavors, ensuring every bite is tender and well-seasoned. Some prefer adding a touch of sugar or oyster sauce to enhance the taste, while others keep it traditional with just soy sauce and calamansi. This versatility allows you to adjust the recipe to suit your family’s preference.

Bistek Tofu Recipe by Filipino Vegan

Ingredients:

¼ kilo firm tofu, preferably frozen overnight then thawed for a few hours
Cooking oil
One medium potato, peeled then thinly sliced with a peeler
Few pinches of salt and pepper
1 medium yellow or red onion, peeled and cut into rings

Braising Liquid:

¼ cup soy sauce
1 cup water
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon kalamansi juice

If you want a thicker sauce, mix in ¼ - ½ teaspoon cornstarch in the braising liquid.

Instructions:

Press out excess water from the tofu, then cut into large thin squares.
Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Fill with enough oil to cover the base of the pan.
Once the oil is hot, fry the tofu until all sides are golden. Season it with salt and pepper.
Transfer the tofu to a plate, then fry the potatoes, season with salth and pepper. Once the potatoes have turned crispy, lower the heat and put the fried tofu back in the pan.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the seasoning: soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and kalamansi juice.
Pour the seasoning into the pan and mix well.
Mix in the onion rings and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Depending on the strength of your soy sauce, you may want to add either more soy sauce or more water. If you want a thicker sauce, mix in ¼ - ½ teaspoon cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce.
Turn off the heat and serve hot with rice. End.