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Bistec Encebollado served with onions and side dish
Authentic Latin American Bistec Encebollado with onion beef

Bistec encebollado

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
One of the most comforting smells in Latin American homes is fried onion meeting citrus-marinated beef. The secret of 'Bistec Encebollado' lies in simplicity and acid play: orange and lemon juices not only flavour but pre-digest the meat, making cheaper, chewier cuts tender in the pan.
🕒 Prep Time 40 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 350 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Latin American

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large frying pan: So meat fries, not steams.
  • Citrus juicer: For fresh juices.

Instructions

1 ✓

Make 'Mojo' marinade: Mix orange juice, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin. Toss steaks in it, rest in fridge for at least 30 mins (up to 2 hours).

Tip: Citrus acids start breaking down connective tissues (protein denaturation), loosening fibres for tenderness.
2 ✓

Heat 1 tbsp oil in large pan on medium. Add sliced onions, fry patiently 8-10 mins until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.

Tip: Goal is drawing out sweetness (caramelisation), not burning. Add splash of water if needed.
3 ✓

Heat remaining oil in same pan on high. Remove meat from marinade (reserve juice!), pat dry, fry 2-3 mins per side until brown crust forms.

Tip: Drying meat before frying is key! Wet meat steams in own vapour, preventing tasty roast flavour (Maillard reaction).
4 ✓

Pour reserved marinade and fried onions over meat. Reduce heat, simmer together 5-8 mins until sauce thickens slightly and meat absorbs flavours.

Tip: This step 'marries' flavours, liquid ensures meat doesn't dry out.
5 ✓

Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley, accompanied by rice and fried plantains.

Tip: Parsley freshness balances meat and onion sweetness.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the onion bitter?
You fried it on too high heat and burnt it. Onions must caramelise slowly to be sweet.
Can I use pork?
Yes, pork loin works excellently with this citrus marinade.

Ingredients

  • 500 g Beef steaks (e.g. sirloin or rump, beaten thin)
  • 2 pcs Onions (halved, thinly sliced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
  • 100 ml Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 50 ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Ground cumin
  • 10 g Fresh parsley (finely chopped)