How to Make Bistek Tofu Easy Filipino Comfort Food

If you’re searching for a healthy and flavorful Filipino dish, Bistek Tofu is a must-try. Inspired by the classic Filipino beef steak, or “bistek tagalog,” this version replaces beef with crispy fried tofu while keeping the savory-sour sauce that makes the dish so beloved. The tofu is fried until golden and slightly crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside, then simmered in a rich soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon) juice, garlic, and onion mixture. This combination creates a balance of salty, tangy, and umami flavors that perfectly coat the tofu, making it an excellent option for vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone who wants a lighter but satisfying meal.

One of the best things about Bistek Tofu is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With simple pantry ingredients and just a few steps, you can make a wholesome Filipino-inspired dish in under 30 minutes. The fried tofu soaks up the bold sauce, while the onions add sweetness and texture, making every bite deliciously well-rounded. You can even add steamed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or green beans for extra nutrition and color. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well for busy weeknight dinners and weekend family meals.

Aside from being tasty, Bistek Tofu is also budget-friendly and highly versatile. It pairs beautifully with freshly steamed white rice, garlic fried rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference—adding more calamansi for tanginess or more soy sauce for a deeper, savory flavor. This dish proves that Filipino cuisine can be both healthy and hearty, giving you the best of both worlds. 

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 salt 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.