Bistek (Filipino Beef Steak)

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups soy sauce , such as Kikkoman®
• 0.25 cups lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic , smashed
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce , Optional
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound beef steak , sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil , divided, or as needed
• 4 potatoes , Optional
• 1 large onion , cut into rings
• 0.13 cups water , Optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. Add sliced beef, making sure it is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

2. 2

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Fry potatoes in the hot oil until the edges turn golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

3. 3

   Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high heat and fry onions until edges turn brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to the same plate.

4. 4

   Heat the same pan over medium-high heat. Reserve marinade and fry beef in batches, adding more vegetable oil if necessary, until browned and no longer pink in the centers, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to the plate and continue with remaining beef.

5. 5

   Pour reserved marinade into the pan with water to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings. Return beef back to the pan with some onion, leaving remaining onion for garnish; reduce heat and let simmer until sauce has thickened, 7 to 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Slide beef and sauce onto a serving plate. Garnish with remaining onion. Place potatoes on the side and serve.