Filipino-Style Beef Steak with Onion and Bay Leaves (Bistek)

Ingredients for Filipino-Style Beef Steak with Onion and Bay Leaves (Bistek)

• 2 (1-inch-thick) boneless rib-eye steaks, excess fat trimmed

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

• 8 fresh bay leaves

• 1 large white onion, sliced into 1/2" thick rounds

• 60ml fresh lemon juice

• 60ml soy sauce

• Kosher salt

Slice steaks in half lengthwise. Following natural seams in meat, cut each half into 2–3 pieces and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium. Add bay leaves; cook until beginning to brown around the edges, about 1 minute. Add onion and 120ml water. Cover skillet (use a baking sheet if you don’t have a lid) and cook until onion is partly tender; it should have lost its raw bite but still have some crunch, about 5 minutes. Transfer onion and bay leaves to a plate with a slotted spatula or tongs.

Increase heat to medium-high and bring remaining liquid in skillet to a boil. Cook until only 2 tablespoons remains. Scrape into a small bowl and stir in lemon juice and soy sauce. Set sauce aside.

Wipe out skillet and heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet over medium-high. Season reserved meat with salt. Working in batches, cook meat undisturbed until dark brown, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook until second side is lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a platter.

Reduce heat to medium (let skillet cool a little if it is very hot) and cook reserved sauce in skillet just to let flavours meld, about 1 minute. Add 1–2 tablespoons water if sauce is too concentrated. Pour over meat and top with onion and bay leaves.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.