How to Cook Pineapple Bistek
Pineapple bistek is a flavorful Filipino dish that combines tender beef, a savory soy-calamansi sauce, and the sweet, tangy twist of pineapple tidbits.
Prep Time1 hour hr
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bistek recipe, filipino beef steak, Filipino recipe, panlasang pinoy, pineapple bistek
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 432kcal
Author: Manny
- 1/4 kilo beef sirloin sliced tapa style
- 1 pc large onions sliced into rings
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. calamansi juice
- 1 can Pineapple Tidbits 234grams
Marinade:
- 8 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp. calamansi juice
- 1/8 tsp. ground pepper
- Pineapple syrup from pineapple tidbits can
How to cook Pineapple Bistek:
Marinate beef for 1 hour. Drain and reserve marinade.
Fry beef in 1/4 cup oil until light brown. Retain 2 Tbsp. oil in pan.
In the same pan, saute onion until almost tender.
Add soy sauce, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, calamansi juice and marinade.
Simmer for 2 minutes. Add fried beef and pineapple tidbits.
Simmer again for a few minutes and serve.
Cooking Tips:
Marinate the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Allowing the beef to marinate for at least an hour ensures it absorbs the full flavor of the soy sauce, calamansi, and pineapple syrup. The acid from the calamansi tenderizes the meat, while the pineapple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that balances the dish. Don’t rush this step—it’s the secret to making every bite flavorful and tender.
Use Fresh Pineapple for a Bolder Taste
While canned pineapple tidbits are convenient, fresh pineapple can elevate the dish with its vibrant, natural sweetness. Fresh pineapple contains more active bromelain, which helps tenderize the beef better than its canned counterpart. If using fresh pineapple, consider blending a bit of its juice for a fresher and more aromatic marinade.
Sauté Onions for Added Depth
Cooking the onions until they’re translucent but still slightly firm adds both texture and natural sweetness to the dish. This step enhances the savory flavors of the sauce and complements the tangy pineapple tidbits. Avoid overcooking the onions to maintain their crunch, which adds a pleasant contrast to the tender beef.
