Filipino Beefsteak With Onions
Watch How To Make It:
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Bistek is a simple, protein-packed Filipino dish centered on thinly sliced beef and plenty of onions. It’s quick to prepare, full of savory citrus-soy flavor, and works well for meal prep or a hearty weeknight dinner. If you enjoy onions, this recipe is a must-try.
My sister, Claudine Castro, a fitness trainer, often includes bistek in her high-protein meal plan. When beef is available, she makes it regularly because it’s filling and straightforward to cook.
If you don’t have fresh calamansi, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are excellent substitutes. Bottled calamansi can also be used if you prefer that flavor.
You can make this in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot—if so, simmer on low for about 40 minutes or until the beef is tender.
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 steak, soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon/vinegar), and black pepper. Mix well and let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings. Separate the rings so they cook evenly.
3. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté on Normal. Heat the oil, then sauté the onion rings until translucent. Reserve half of the sautéed onions in a separate bowl.
4. Add the marinated beef and remaining marinade to the Instant Pot. Season with a pinch of salt, stir, and secure the lid with the vent set to “Sealing.”
5. Cancel Sauté and select Pressure Cook on Normal with High Pressure. Set the timer for 7 minutes.
6. When cooking finishes, carefully release the pressure using a long utensil or oven mitts to avoid the steam. Only open the lid once all pressure is released.
7. Return to Sauté mode and let the sauce simmer briefly. Taste and add the sugar and more salt if needed to balance the flavors.
8. Stir in the reserved onions and heat for about a minute just to warm them through.
9. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve the bistek hot with steamed white rice.
Special Notes:
Browning the beef first adds extra depth of flavor, but it’s optional—this recipe works well when everything is combined and pressure-cooked together for convenience.
DID YOU MAKE THIS?!
Share your results on social media and tag @jeanelleats — it’s always great to see people cooking these recipes at home!