Pork Bistek

4.10 from 22 votes

Filipino-style Pork Steak marinated in citrus juice and spices is sure to be a family favorite. It's hearty, tasty, and perfect with steamed rice.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Marinating30

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Entree

Cuisine: Filipino

Servings: Servings

Calories: 573kcal

In a bowl, combine pork, calamansi or lemon juice, soy sauce, onions, garlic, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the meat and marinate for about 30 minutes.
Drain meat, onions, and garlic from marinade, squeezing and reserving excess liquid. Set aside.
In a pan over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add pork chops and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Spoon out and reserve released meat juices during frying. Remove meat from pan and keep warm.
In the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the reserved onions and garlic, and cook, stirring regularly, until softened.
Return meat to pan.
Add reserved marinade and meat juices.
Add water and bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top.
Cover, lower heat and simmer for about 40 to 50 minutes or until meat is fork-tender and liquid is reduced.
Season with salt to taste.
Add the onion rings. Turn off heat, cover and allow onion slices to cook slightly in the steam. Serve hot.

Do not marinate the pork for too long as the acids in the citrus might break down the protein fibers and make the texture of the meat mushy.
Browning adds depth of flavor. Drain the pork chops well and squeeze off excess marinade so they'll sear properly. Do not overcrowd the pan and use a wide pan or cook in batches as necessary.
The meat will release a bit of juice when pan-fried. Spoon it off from the pan and add along with the marinade during braising.
Use the same pan to braise the dish; those browned bits in the pan mean maximum flavor!