Description
Savory Bistec Encebollado is a flavorful Latin American dish featuring thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak marinated in a tangy mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and spices. The beef is quickly seared in a skillet and then simmered with caramelized onions, tomato paste, and beef broth to create a rich onion sauce. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this comforting and hearty main course pairs wonderfully with white rice, fried plantains, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, white vinegar, lime juice, ground black pepper, adobo seasoning, and minced garlic. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then cook the slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Set the cooked beef aside on a plate.
- Caramelize Onions: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized to a golden-brown color.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste with the onions and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors. Pour in the beef broth along with the reserved marinade and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 3 minutes to meld the ingredients.
- Simmer with Beef: Return the browned beef slices to the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat in the flavorful onion sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving. Enjoy with traditional sides like white rice, fried plantains, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with white rice, fried plantains, or mashed potatoes for a traditional and hearty meal.
- Thinly slicing the beef helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
- Marinating the beef enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the rich savory taste of the sauce.
