Are you craving a delicious and authentic Filipino dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Pork Bistek! This quick dinner recipe is a staple in Filipino households, beloved for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It's perfect for busy weeknights and impresses even the most discerning palates. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with lime juice)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cane vinegar works well)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Optional: 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (for extra heat)
- Serving suggestion: Steamed rice
Instructions:
Get started: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved.
Marinate the Pork: Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each slice is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your bistek will be.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and slightly translucent. If using chilies, add them along with the onions.
Cook the Pork: Add the marinated pork to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your slices, this should take about 8-10 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the pork in batches to ensure even browning.
Simmer and Thicken (Optional): Once the pork is cooked, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it over low heat for a few more minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Pork Bistek hot over steamed rice. The tangy, savory sauce perfectly complements the tender pork, making for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pork Bistek:
- Thinly sliced pork: Using thinly sliced pork is crucial for even cooking and tenderness. Ask your butcher to help if you are unsure how to slice it properly.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked pork will be dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through, and the juices run clear.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the marinade before adding the pork and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want more or less sugar, vinegar, or calamansi juice depending on your taste.
- Fresh calamansi: Using fresh calamansi juice is ideal, but lime juice is a readily available substitute.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add more chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes for a spicier version.
- Garlic lovers: Don't hesitate to add more minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Protein: Around 30g
- Fat: Around 15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 15g
This easy recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Enjoy your homemade Pork Bistek Filipino! Let us know how yours turns out in the comments below. We’d love to see your delicious creations!