Vegan Bistek Tagalog (Printable Recipe)

Vegan Filipino bistek with tangy soy sauce, tender meatless slices, and lots of sautéed onions.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
02 - 1 small white onion, diced
03 - 12 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 200 grams imitation beef slices, rehydrated according to package directions
05 - 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 1 cup vegan beef broth
07 - 1/2 cup lemon juice
08 - 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
09 - 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 4 teaspoons water
10 - 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
12 - 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
13 - White rice, for serving
14 - Chopped green onion, optional for garnish

→ Alternative Option

15 - 1 package (16 oz) extra firm tofu, pressed and thinly sliced or cubed

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent. Add rehydrated imitation beef and sauté until heated through and edges are slightly crisp.
02 - Add soy sauce, vegan beef broth, lemon juice, coconut sugar, cornstarch slurry, dark soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until sauce thickens and reduces by half.
03 - In a separate pan, heat remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add onion rings and cook until slightly tender but not too soft.
04 - Transfer stir-fried onion rings into the main pan and toss to combine with sauce and protein. Serve immediately with rice and garnish with green onions if desired.
05 - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook without stirring until crisp, about 4-5 minutes per side. Continue with same steps as imitation beef, starting with sautéing onion and garlic.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use calamansi juice if available for a more authentic flavor.
02 - Soy curls or chunks can substitute imitation beef if preferred.