Bistek Bulgogi

If you love bold flavors and crave something different for dinner, this Bistek Bulgogi fusion recipe is the perfect dish to try. It combines the citrusy, savory taste of Filipino bistek Tagalog with the sweet, smoky flavors of Korean bulgogi — and the secret ingredient that ties it all together is Tastebud’s Calamansi Barbecue Sauce.

This sauce adds the tang of calamansi (a Filipino citrus), the sweetness of barbecue, and just the right amount of smokiness. It’s the perfect shortcut to big flavor without needing a long list of ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain

1 medium onion, sliced into rings

3 tbsp Tastebud’s Calamansi Barbecue Sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, grated

2 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp neutral oil (for searing)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Fried garlic bits & chopped green onions, for garnish

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Tastebud’s Calamansi Barbecue Sauce, soy sauce, vinegar (if using), garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced beef, toss well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).

2. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet. Sauté onion rings until softened and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sear the marinated beef over high heat in batches until browned and caramelized. Avoid overcrowding for the best flavor.

4. Return all beef to the pan, pour in any leftover marinade, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Stir the onions back in.

5. Top with fried garlic and chopped green onions. Serve hot with freshly steamed rice or even lettuce wraps for a Korean-inspired touch.

Classic comfort combined