Season 01 - Dinner / S01D11
Bistec Encebollado (Steak with Onions)
Story
The savory aroma of sizzling steak and caramelized onions filled the air as Don Luis worked his magic in the kitchen. For his family, Bistec Encebollado wasn’t just a dish—it was a Sunday ritual, a meal that brought everyone together. 🏡✨ He still remembered standing by Abuelito’s side, watching as he carefully layered the flavors—the tang of citrus, the richness of onions, and the subtle depth of spices. “Mijo,” Abuelito would say, “the secret to Bistec Encebollado is love and patience. Let the flavors dance.” Now, Don Luis adds his own twist with a touch of tomato paste for extra richness and a bit of butter for a silky finish. It’s a dish that warms the soul and honors tradition. Today, you’ll bring this Puerto Rican classic to your table, the Don Luis way! 🌿✨
Ingredients
- For the Steak & Marinade:
- 2 lbs thin-cut beef sirloin or cube steak
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce & Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.25 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp butter
- For Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fluffy white rice
- Sweet plantains (maduros)
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- 11️⃣ Marinate the Steak:
- 21️⃣ In a bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, adobo, black pepper, oregano, and cumin.
- 32️⃣ Add the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for tender, flavorful meat. 🕰️🌿
- 42️⃣ Caramelize the Onions:
- 51️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 62️⃣ Add sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized (about 8 minutes).
- 73️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, letting it coat the onions for a rich, flavorful base. 🧅🍅
- 83️⃣ Sear the Steak:
- 91️⃣ Remove the steak from the marinade, reserving the liquid.
- 102️⃣ Push the onions to the side of the skillet and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- 114️⃣ Simmer & Finish:
- 121️⃣ Pour the reserved marinade and beef broth into the skillet. Add the bay leaf.
- 132️⃣ Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, allowing the steak to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- 143️⃣ Stir in butter for a silky, luxurious finish. Remove the bay leaf before serving. 🧈✨
- 155️⃣ Plate & Serve:
- 161️⃣ Serve the bistec over a bed of fluffy white rice, with a side of sweet plantains and fresh avocado slices.
- 172️⃣ Garnish with cilantro for a vibrant touch. 🥩🍚🌿

About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
Read our mission →