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

Steak and Onions (Bistec Encebollado)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
One of the most comforting smells in Latin homes is fried onions and citrus-marinated beef. 'Bistec Encebollado' (onion steak) relies on simplicity and acid play: orange and lemon juice flavor and tenderize, making cheaper cuts melt 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 skillet: So meat sears, not steams.
  • Citrus juicer: For fresh juice.

Instructions

1 ✓

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

Tip: Citrus acids break down connective tissue (protein denaturation), loosening fibers for tenderness.
2 ✓

In large skillet heat 1 tbsp oil on medium. Add sliced onion, fry patiently 8-10 mins until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.

Tip: Goal is to coax out sweetness (caramelization), not burn. Add splash of water if needed.
3 ✓

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

Tip: Drying meat is key! Wet meat steams and won't get that tasty brown crust (Maillard reaction).
4 ✓

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

Tip: This 'marries' flavors and liquid keeps meat juicy.
5 ✓

Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley, with rice and fried plantains.

Tip: Parsley freshness balances sweet meat and onions.

Recipe FAQ

Why is onion bitter?
You fried it too hot and burned it. Onions must caramelize slowly to be sweet.
Can I use pork?
Yes, pork loin works great with this citrus marinade.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Beef Steaks (Top Round or Sirloin, pounded thin)
  • 2 whole Red Onions (halved, thinly sliced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
  • 0.5 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0.25 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 0.5 bunch Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)