Bistek
Bistek from Philippines. Times were inferred from the source steps.
Imported from TheMealDB. Times and card copy were filled in for this listing, not kitchen-tested.
0 people cooked this in the public kitchen yet. Kitchen-tested by I Want Some Food. Not a purchased rating.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 min
- Total
- 9 hr 31 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price

About
Marinate beef in soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi), and ground black pepper for at least 1 hour. Note: marinate overnight for best result Heat the cooking oil in a pan then pan-fry half of the onions until the texture becomes soft. Set aside
Ingredients
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Marinate beef in soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi), and ground black pepper for at least 1 hour. Note: marinate overnight for best result
540 minStep 2
Heat the cooking oil in a pan then pan-fry half of the onions until the texture becomes soft. Set aside
Step 3
Drain the marinade from the beef. Set it aside. Pan-fry the beef on the same pan where the onions were fried for 1 minute per side. Remove from the pan. Set aside
1 minStep 4
Add more oil if needed. Saute garlic and remaining raw onions until onion softens.
Step 5
Pour the remaining marinade and water. Bring to a boil.
Step 6
Add beef. Cover the pan and simmer until the meat is tender. Note: Add water as needed.
Step 7
Season with ground black pepper and salt as needed. Top with pan-fried onions.
Step 8
Transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!
Adapt this recipe
The canonical recipe stays intact. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are maths, not AI.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 24 August.
Substitutions
beef → tofu
Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation.
lemon → lime
Same acidity, different perfume. Taste before you repeat the squeeze.
garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion
1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing.
onion → shallot
Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Editorial cultural notes have not been written for this imported dish.
Editorial history has not been written for this imported dish.
Inspired by
Provenance: Imported. Initial recipe data sourced from TheMealDB and adapted/reviewed by I Want Some Food. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips — not a chatbot.
How long does Bistek take?
9 hr 31 min all in — 30 min prep, 1 min cook, 9 hr rest. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Soy, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 pinch.
How much soy sauce?
5 tbsp of Soy sauce.
What can I use instead?
beef → tofu. Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation. lemon → lime. Same acidity, different perfume. Taste before you repeat the squeeze. garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion. 1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing. onion → shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Marinate beef in soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi), and ground black pepper for at least 1 hour. Note: marinate overnight for best result
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.

