Beef salpicao is a Filipino dish with seared beef cubes, lots of garlic, butter, and a savory sauce.
The beef cooks quickly and the sauce comes together in the same pan, so it's easy enough for a weeknight.
Serve it with rice for dinner or as pulutan.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Notes and Substitutions
- Beef: Use a tender cut that cooks fast, like tenderloin, ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or boneless short ribs.
- Seasonings: I used soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire for the sauce. Knorr or Maggi also work if that's what you have.
- Paprika: Use regular or smoked paprika for color and a mild smoky taste.
- Add-ins: You can add mushrooms or bell peppers if you like.
How to Make Beef Salpicao (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Cut 1 pound beef into 1-inch cubes.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside.
If the beef is wet, pat it dry so it sears better.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or Knorr/Maggi liquid seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Mix and set it aside.
Step 3: Fry the garlic
In a wok or wide pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add 10 garlic cloves (thinly sliced) and stir often until lightly golden.
Remove and set aside. Don't let it get too dark, or it can taste bitter.
Step 4: Melt the butter
In the same pan with the garlic oil, turn the heat to high.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
Step 5: Sear the beef
Add the beef in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Sear for about 2 minutes without moving, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
If you cooked the beef in batches, add it all back to the pan.
Step 6: Add the sauce
Pour the sauce over the beef.
Let it simmer for a minute, then toss until the beef is coated.
Add black pepper to taste.
Cooking Tips
- Sear over high heat so the beef browns, not steams.
- Don't crowd the pan - cook in batches if needed.
- Don't overcook the beef; it cooks fast.
- Pat the beef dry before cooking for a better sear.
Recipe FAQs
Beef salpicao is a Filipino dish made with seared beef, garlic, butter, and a savory sauce.
Tender cuts like tenderloin, ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or boneless short ribs work best.
Use a tender cut, cut it into even pieces, and don't overcook it.
The pan may not be hot enough, or the beef was crowded. Sear over high heat and cook in batches if needed.
More Filipino Classics
- Adobo: Pork or chicken braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Kare-kare: Peanut-based stew with oxtail, tripe, beef cuts, and vegetables.
- Sisig: Chopped pork seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chilies.
- Bistek tagalog: Beef cooked with soy sauce, calamansi, and lots of onions.
- Caldereta: Beef or goat stew with tomato sauce and liver spread.
Other Beef Recipes You May Like
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📖 Recipe
Beef Salpicao Recipe
Equipment
- Wok or wide pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (sub: Knorr or Maggi liquid seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped chives or scallions optional
Instructions
- Season beef lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire, sugar, and paprika in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium heat. Fry garlic until lightly golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, turn the heat to high. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add beef in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pour in the sauce and let it simmer for a minute. Toss until the beef is coated, then add pepper to taste.
- Stir in half of the fried garlic, then turn off the heat once the beef is cooked to your liking. Top with the rest of the fried garlic and chives/scallions.
Video
Notes
- Beef: Use a tender cut that cooks fast, like tenderloin, ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or boneless short ribs.
- Seasonings: I used soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also use Knorr or Maggi seasoning.
- Paprika: Use regular or smoked paprika for color and a mild smoky taste.
- Add-ins: You can add mushrooms or bell peppers if you like.
- Sear over high heat so the beef browns well.
- Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Don't overcook the beef.
- Pat the beef dry for a better sear.
Jamie says
My dad always makes this for me, gonna send him this recipe cause it looks so good!
Nora Reyes says
Hi Jamie! Thank you and I hope your dad enjoys this version just as much.
Tin says
My favorite!!!!! I will definitely try this recipe. Maraming salamat!
Nora Rey says
Hi Tin, You're very welcome! I'm happy to hear that it's your favorite. Enjoy making it and maraming salamat din!😊🥩🍽️
Tania Pel-Gerasimenko says
Thank you very much for the recipe! Very delicious 💕
Nora Reyes says
Hello Tania, It's my pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it. 😊💕