Beef Salpicao

What is a perfect meal for you? For some people, it’s extravagance that comes to mind. The finest of steaks, the freshest of seafoods, or the fanciest of other ingredients –– these may be the most ideal! But for others, like myself, there’s a certain joy in simplicity. Even the humble ingredients you can find in your own pantry or kitchen can come together to make something extraordinary. Take, for example, this homey but flavorful beef salpicao. Warm and saucy, this dish consists of an assortment of everyday ingredients that make one of the best comfort foods of all time.

Filipinos –– and people worldwide, honestly –– love a good piece of meat. There’s no denying the satisfaction we feel when we bite into a piece of meat that’s cooked to perfection, and seasoned and marinated with the best flavors possible. This beef salpicao is a prime example of that! Garlicky and rich, this dish is a hearty meal that can satisfy your meaty cravings.

Tips and Tricks for Beef Salpicao

The two most important aspects of beef salpicao are the tenderness and the taste! The beef cuts we’re using for this salpicao are the tenderest portions a cow has to offer. Tenderloin or sirloin pieces will melt in your mouth, perfectly absorbing all of this dish’s fantastic flavors. The beef will most likely be the most expensive ingredient in this recipe, as you’ll need to get good portions for the juiciest chunks and best results. Rest assured, however, all of the other ingredients are those you can easily find in your own pantry.

This recipe calls for letting your beef marinate for about 30 minutes, as this gives it ample time to take in the different flavors. It’s important to use a pan with a wide bottom while cooking your beef salpicao. This is due to the fact that if you crowd your meat too much, you may end up steaming your beef rather than searing it, which is what you’re supposed to be doing. Additionally, since we don’t want our meat to end up too tough or chewy, I recommend cooking it until a doneness of medium rare. This leaves your beef salpicao succulent, tasty, and perfect with every bite! 

Some people enjoy a little spice in their beef salpicao, which you can easily replicate with a few pieces of chili peppers. Others add mushrooms or top their dish with green onion, for something that can cut through the rich taste. 

What to Serve with Beef Salpicao

When it comes to what you can serve this with, you can’t go wrong with a classic cup of white rice. But fried rice is also a great alternative! The assortment of ingredients in a good cup of yang chow complements the savory beef salpicao well.

I also recommend enjoying these garlicky beef chunks with some tender yet flavorful potatoes! Whether you mash them or bake them, this also makes a wonderful partner to your beef salpicao. It’s made even better when they get to absorb your meat’s delightfully rich sauce!

How to Cook Beef Salpicao

This beef salpicao can make up about 6 portions –– perfect for your whole family, and then some! Before cooking, cube your 1 ½ lbs of beef, and pound 1 head of garlic. Infuse the oil with garlic by frying it in low heat until the garlic turns golden brown. The flavors from the garlic will get infused in oil by then. Separate the oil and garlic and set aside.

Combine your beef pieces, a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of ground black pepper, and the garlic infused oil along with Worcestershire sauce. Mix all the ingredients and marinate the beef for 10 minutes.  

Put a clean pan on your stove and turn up the heat. When it’s hot enough, add in the combination of ingredients and sear your beef until it begins to brown. If you can, toss the beef while searing so you’ve uniformly cooked all sides. Pour in 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce and continue tossing until the liquid evaporates. You can also opt to keep a bit of the sauce if you prefer that with your beef salpicao. If you plan to add other ingredients like mushrooms or chili peppers, feel free to do so now, too!

Lastly, add in your ⅛ cup of butter and cook your beef salpicao for 2 to 3 minutes more. And just like that, your dish is ready! Transfer to a serving plate and prepare it alongside your side dish of choice.

You and your family will definitely enjoy this amazingly rich beef salpicao! Let us know what you thought of it.

Source