- Olive oil
- 350-500 grams sukiyaki cut beef or tenderloin, sliced
1/2 cm thick - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed calamansi juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled and bashed up a bit
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 3-4 medium white onions, sliced
Optional (for a saucier bistek):
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed calamansi juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
rapidly, tossing with the onions, to make sure the marinade cooks completely. Sometimes I like to add another drizzle of olive oil at this point.
with steaming white rice!
little crunch in them. So feel free to cook them as you like them. I’m also very generous with the black pepper…crack that pepper mill like you’re working out (as if I would really know what that feels like).
We are leaving the city for the weekend. Summer is here and making us all yearn for childhood vacations, while our adult self is stuck in front of a computer screen the whole week. So we stuff our bags full of bathing suits and possibilities; pile ourselves, our spirits, and the Pack ‘N Play into our little red car; and head out to enjoy the sun whilst it shines, and each other most of all. Life is short, pick up that phone, connect, snuggle in bed a bit longer, let somebody else answer the phone while you watch your sleeping child.
Love each other.
UPDATES: I have since made this with anywhere from 250 to 500 grams of beef and it’s worked pretty well. Sometimes, if I want a little sweetness (not too much!) I add a little kecap manis to the marinade/sauce…I highly recommend it! Also, tried this with the sukiyaki-cut chuck roll (grade 6, 500 grams) of Kitayama Meatshop and it was amazing!!
This is a beautiful post. Heaven just welcomed another amazing person into their midst. 🙂
Oh Joey, so sorry to hear about your Uncle! My sympathies to you and your family for your loss. What a touching write-up, he would have loved this, I'm sure! I love Bistek! I've done it over here but had to use lemons in the absence of fresh calamansi. There is nothing like the real fresh flavors of calamansi to make this a real Filipino Bistek. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
My condolences, Joey. And thanks for sharing 🙂
My sincerest condolences for your loss, Joey. I think your uncle would be so proud of you.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Bistek is one of my comfort food. My aunt makes it the best and I love how it makes the whole house smell like lime and soy sauce lol.
Condolences on your loss. This is a beautifully written post and a timely reminder of what is important in life.
Thank you Gio…I agree that heaven just got another amazing person up there!
Hi Betty Ann — thanks for your sympathies. A common lament of Filipinos abroad is that there is no calamansi for bistek! Have you tried growing it? I know one blogger that did.
Hi Ling — Thank you.
Hi Midge — Thanks…I hope so!
Hi Becky — Thanks. I love how the house smells too as it's simmering in the pan…
Hi Marivic — Thank you. Yes, brings to fore what is most important beneath all the "noise" of daily life…must always remember!
I had seen your tweet about working after receiving sad news, but didn't want to intrude. My condolences on the passing of a beloved relative. This is a lovely tribute to him and to the importance of letting our loved ones know exactly how much they mean to us on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your tito E, dear Joey. You obviously have lots of lovely memories to cherish..
Very well said Joey – am sorry to hear about your Tito. He would have been pleased with your tribute.
Ok, this looks really interesting!
I've printed it out and added it to my list of recipes to make really soon!
Thank you for the recipe…
Now i know how to cook this… hmmmm.. thanks you for this recipe
Wow simply great! I love your blog. thank for this post.
one of my favorites! Mmmm! 🙂
Thank you for your sweet words Tracey — so important to savor and appreciate each moment we have…
Thanks Pille…there indeed are.
Thanks Trissa…I certainly hope so!
Hi Grandma Kat – I hope you like it!
Hi Sweethestia – Enjoy, it’s one of our staples!
Thanks Paola!
Hi i♥pinkc00kies – ours as well!
Hi, I just discovered your blog and I am really enjoying your posts! Makes me miss Filipino food (I am a Fil-Chi gal blogging from Toronto, Canada). I miss Bistek Tagalog! This is a fave!! Too bad we don't find calamansi here 🙁
I' sorry for your loss. Your uncle must have been a great person. I like recipe especially the marinate. I will try it this weekend. Thanks
Hi Jen! Have you tried growing calamansi? I know a Filipino blogger in the states who did 🙂
Hi Frank, thank you and hope you enjoy this!
Condolence. Hope this bistek comforted the soul, for it truly is a comforting dish.
Thanks Shalum.
this one goes to the files! i am in need of a good bistek Tagalog recipe. wish we had calamansi here in Toronto; so hard to find here…
Hi Jen! I know…calamansi is one of those things we miss so much when we are abroad…such a distinct taste 🙂 Hope you like this!