Filipino Poorman's Steak Bistek a La Pobre
Savor the comforting flavors of Filipino Poorman's Steak, or Bistek a La Pobre, a humble yet hearty dish that brings a burst of umami to your table. Perfect for budget-friendly meals, this Filipino favorite features tender slices of beef chuck or flavorful ground beef patties marinated in a tangy blend of soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon juice), and garlic. The dish is complemented by beautifully caramelized onion rings and a rich, savory sauce that’s simmered to perfection in the same skillet, capturing every layer of flavor. Serve it over steamed rice for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes. This recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients and timeless cooking techniques, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual family dinners.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams beef chuck steak or ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons calamansi juice (or substitute with lemon juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 medium onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups water
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups rice (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to make the marinade.
Step 2
If using chuck steak, slice it thinly into strips. If using ground beef, shape it into small oval patties. Add the meat to the marinade, ensure it's fully coated, and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion rings and cook until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. If using steak slices, sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. If using ground beef patties, cook for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set the cooked meat aside.
Step 5
In the same skillet, pour the marinade and add 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if necessary.
Step 6
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 7
Top the bistek with the caramelized onions and serve hot over steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1226.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1403.3 |
| Total Fat 28.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2338.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 254.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 15.4g | |
| Protein 28.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 180.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 819.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories