How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre)?

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 kg thinly sliced sirloin steak, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar (reserve half for later), 3 garlic cloves, pounded, and more.

Is Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre) suitable as seafood?

Yes, Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre)?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre) Recipe

Name: Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 kg thinly sliced sirloin steak; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar (reserve half for later); 3 garlic cloves, pounded; 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (calamansi, or filipino lime works best); 1 teaspoon oil; 1 large white onion, sliced in thick rings (you can substitute this with chopped spring onions); 3 tablespoons oil (for stir-frying)

Try this homemade Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre) recipe the whole family will love. Made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic and fresh ground bl…

This Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre) relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as thinly sliced sirloin steak, soy sauce, garlic cloves, pounded and fresh ground black pepper. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 588 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Seafood

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Filipino Poorman'S Steak (Bistek A La Pobre)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions