Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further than Bistec Encebollado, a beloved Puerto Rican dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning homemade dish! It's a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks.
- 1 ½ lbs thinly sliced beef steak (sirloin or flank steak work best)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning (Puerto Rican style preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- White rice, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Cooking Process
This Bistec Encebollado recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
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Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with white vinegar, soy sauce, adobo seasoning, cumin, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to coat the beef evenly, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with incredible flavor.
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Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and green bell peppers and sauté until they soften and slightly caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. This is a crucial step for developing the rich flavor of the dish.
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Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, ideally with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Bistec Encebollado
- Thinly sliced beef is key: This ensures even cooking and prevents tough meat. Ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you if you prefer.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, adobo, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Serve immediately: Bistec Encebollado is best served fresh, as the flavors meld beautifully and the beef stays tender.
Variations: Explore the Flavors
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- Use different peppers: Experiment with other types of peppers, such as jalapeños or poblanos, for varying levels of heat.
- Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This is an approximate nutritional profile and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious and easy Bistec Encebollado recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy this taste of Puerto Rico in your own kitchen!