Beef Salpicao is a Filipino dish celebrated for its savory, garlicky flavor and tender steak bites. Often served sizzling, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience in under 30 minutes. The dish’s appeal lies in its simple preparation and powerful umami-rich sauce—a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and butter that coats perfectly seared steak.
Why This Dish Matters
Filipino cuisine often emphasizes bold flavors and quick cooking methods. Beef Salpicao exemplifies this trend, offering a satisfying meal without extensive prep time. It represents a fusion of influences: Chinese-style stir-frying techniques combined with Filipino preferences for rich, savory sauces. The dish is popular in Filipino restaurants worldwide and has become a staple for home cooks seeking an easy yet impressive meal.
Key Ingredients & Their Role
The success of Beef Salpicao hinges on a few key ingredients:
- Steak: New York strip, cut into 1-inch cubes, provides optimal tenderness.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic crisps up beautifully, infusing the oil with aroma and flavor.
- Soy & Oyster Sauce: These are the foundation of the umami-packed sauce. Oyster sauce adds depth, while soy sauce provides saltiness.
- Butter: Cold butter emulsifies into the sauce, creating a glossy finish and rich mouthfeel.
How to Make Beef Salpicao: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl. This creates the base for the dish’s signature flavor.
- Crisp the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry thinly sliced garlic until golden brown. Reserve half for garnish.
- Sear the Steak: Sear the steak cubes in batches to ensure even browning. Quick searing locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- Combine & Finish: Return all steak to the skillet, add the sauce, and stir. Remove from heat and stir in cold butter until melted. Garnish with reserved garlic and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 756
- Fat: 51.6 g (66.1%)
- Carbs: 23.4 g (8.0%)
- Protein: 47.6 g (40.6%)
This dish is rich in protein and fat, making it a satisfying but calorie-dense meal.
Beef Salpicao is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can deliver extraordinary flavor. Its quick preparation and bold taste make it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
