Go Back
Bistec Encebollado Recipe

Bistec Encebollado Recipe

Rebecca
Bistec encebollado is, hands down, one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. I remember the first time I made it in my kitchen; the aroma wafting through the air instantly took me back to childhood family dinners, where a big pot of this beefy, onion-laden dish sat in the center of the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Cube steak
  • Olive oil
  • Sazon seasoning
  • Adobo all-purpose seasoning
  • Dried oregano
  • Vinegar
  • Sofrito
  • Spanish onion
  • Tomato sauce
  • Water
  • Powdered chicken bouillon

Instructions
 

  • Start by prepping your cube steak. Slice it into thin strips, then toss it with olive oil, vinegar, sazon, adobo, and oregano in a bowl. Mix everything well so the flavors soak into the meat. I recommend letting it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, though overnight will take the flavor to the next level! 🕑
  • Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Start by cooking the sofrito until fragrant. Once your kitchen smells amazing (about a minute or two), add your marinated beef strips. Stir occasionally, allowing the meat to sear and brown slightly. 🍳
  • Now it’s time to add in the sliced onions, tomato sauce, water, and powdered bouillon. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients blend well, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. 🍲
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Allow the onions to soften and the beef to become fork-tender. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. Once the stew is ready, the onions will practically melt into the sauce, creating a luscious gravy. 🍽️
  • Serve the bistec encebollado hot with a steaming bowl of white rice, fried plantains, or crusty bread. Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce on top for maximum flavor!

Notes

  • Marinate for the Best Flavor: The longer you can marinate the beef, the better. Allowing at least 2 hours gives the seasonings enough time to penetrate the meat.
  • Slice the Steak Thinly: Thin strips of beef cook faster and soak up all the flavors more effectively.
  • Don’t Skip the Sofrito!: This traditional blend of aromatics is what gives the recipe its signature Puerto Rican twist.
  • Use Fresh Onions: The onions are a key component in this dish. Freshly sliced onions caramelize beautifully and add sweetness to the savory sauce.
Keyword Bistec Encebollado Recipe