Post Views: 75

yield:  4

prep time:  10 MINUTES

cook time:  20 MINUTES

additional time:  30 MINUTES

total time:  1 HOUR

Beef bistek(bistec,bisteak) is basically a Sri Lankan version of a steak and onion recipe.

The pepper beef is made by first marinating the beef in vinegar, pepper, and other spices then cooking until tender.

The beef strips are then tossed and cooked with onion and green peppers.

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Ingredients

  • The ingredients mentioned below use standard measuring cups and spoons.
  • 500g of sliced beef(you can use flank steak)

To marinate the beef slices

  • 1 tablespoon of garlic(3 cloves minced)
  • 1/4 of a cup vinegar(use any type of white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
  • 3 tablespoons of pepper powder
  • Salt to season
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar

To cook the bistek

  • 4 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic sliced fine
  • A sprig of curry leaves(substitute with a bay leaf)
  • 2″ piece of pandan leaf(optional, you can cook without pandan leaf if you are unable to find it)
  • 2″ piece cinnamon

For the final assembling of the beef bistek

  • 4 banana peppers(substitute with green peppers)
  • 2 green chillies cut or split in the middle
  • 2 large onions(cut into rings)
  • 1 tablespoon of minced ginger(1 and 1/2 inch garlic piece grated or minced)
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard

Instructions

Prep work before making the Sri Lankan bistek(beef and onion steak)

Have all your ingredients ready.

The onions are used to cook the beef as well as at the end. They are cut differently for each of the cooking stages.

Chop 1 of the onions to cook and the rest should be cut into rings.

How to cut and prepare the beef for the bisteak.

  1. Place the beef slice on a chopping board, pat dry with kitchen paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Cut them into thin slices against the grain.
  3. To break muscle fibers, you will need to pound the slices of beef which is a quick way to tenderize the beef.
  4. Either take each piece of sliced beef and pound them individually or place them together and use the blunt side of your cleaver to whack them a few times. (read beginner’s tips above)

How to marinate the beef slices for bistek

  1. Place the beef slices in a bowl and add minced garlic(1 tbsp, about 3 garlic cloves minced), salt to season, turmeric powder(1 tsp), pepper powder(3 tbsp), sugar(1 tbsp), cumin powder(2 tsp).
  2. And vinegar(1/4 cup, any type of white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar).
  3. To give a tangy taste to the beef slices as well as the bistek dish, add extra 3-4 tablespoons.
  4. Combine well and set aside for 30 minutes. The longer you marinate the beef for the bistek, the better it tastes.
  5. If marinating for 1-2 hours, then cover with cling film and refrigerate.

How to cook the Sri Lankan bistek

  1. Once the beef is marinated, place a medium-sized cooking pan over a stovetop.
  2. Add the marinated beef, pandan leaf(2″ piece optional), curry leaves(a sprig, substitute with a bay leaf), cinnamon(2″piece), garlic(2 cloves sliced fine).
  3. Cook over medium heat until the beef releases its natural juice. 10-12 minutes.
  4. Cook until the beef juice thickens and reduces in half.
  5. Transfer the cooked beef steak slices and thick beef juice into separate bowls.
  6. Place the same cooking pan or a larger frying pan over the stovetop and pour in the oil(4 tbsp).
  7. Add the banana pepper(4), green chillies(2), minced ginger(1 tbsp).
  8. Cook over low medium heat until the peppers are soft, add the mustard seeds(1 tsp), and cook for another minute.
  9. Add the cooked beef slices.
  10. And stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes over medium fire.
  11. Pour in the beef juice, reduce heat, and slow simmer until the beef slices are covered with it.
  12. Add the onion rings and toss with the beef bistek.
  13. Taste and season with salt if needed.
  14. Serve warm.

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Nutrition Information:

 YIELD: 4SERVING SIZE: 1 
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 609TOTAL FAT: 40gSATURATED FAT: 11gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 25gCHOLESTEROL: 109mgSODIUM: 264mgCARBOHYDRATES: 27gFIBER: 8gSUGAR: 10gPROTEIN: 38g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.