Bistec en Salsa (Cube Steaks in Tomato Sauce)

Bistec en Salsa (Cube Steaks in Tomato Sauce) is a delicious, savory dish that is first marinaded in simple delicious spices and cooked in a savory tomato sauce. It is so tender, it falls apart at the first sign of a fork!  Pairs excellent with rice!

Bistec en Salsa (Cube Steaks in a Tomato Sauce) is such a delicious dish and always yells out home to me.  This is just the kind of meal that brings the whole family together at the dinner table and at the end of the dinner, everyone’s belly is not only full but their souls are happy!

It’s just such a comforting and soul warming dish that is full of bold, savory flavors.

This cube steak goes especially well with Puerto Rican Yellow Rice with Corn. Truthfully in my opinion yellow rice with corn taste best with this dish!

It’s also amazing with arroz blanco (Puerto Rican white rice) and a side of habichuelas guisadas (Puerto Rican Beans).

But whether you pair it up with yellow or white rice, definitely make sure to include slices of avocado and garlic tostones or platanos fritos to make a complete and amazing meal.

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Ingredients You Will Need

You will only need a few ingredients for this dish but when paired together the combination is explosive!

• 2 pounds cube steak
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
• ¼ cup white vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 6 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Adobo Seasoning (I use Goya brand)
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 large onions cut into slices

The key to making the most perfect bistec en salsa is to first allow it to marinade for a few hours and at the very least an hour.

Doing so allows the flavors of the fresh garlic, oregano, adobo and vinegar to meld deliciously into the steak, which creates for a more tender and flavorful steak.

The next thing to consider when making this comforting dish is that although, this steak fully cooks in 30 minutes, you really want to let it cook on medium low for about an hour and a half or until it falls apart when pressed with a fork.

Allowing it to cook for this long is what makes this bistec so delicious and perfect with rice.

Make this steak when you have the time, d not rush it.

How to Make Bistec en Salsa (Cube Steaks in Tomato Sauce)

Begin with the garlic.

1. Peel garlic.
2. Add garlic and oregano to a mortar and mash with the pestle.
3. Then add the vinegar and mix well.

Note:  If you do not have a mortar and pestle, add the garlic, oregano and vinegar to a blender and blend until smooth.

1. Add the cube steaks to a bowl and season on both sides with adobo.
2. Add the garlic, oregano and vinegar blend.
3. Add the oil.
4. Stir and cover steaks well with marinade on all sides.
5. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the cube steak with the marinade.
2. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Lower heat and cook for 40 minutes.
4. Flip steaks over. 
5. Add onions and the tomato sauce.
6. Add about a ¼ cup water.
7. Cover again and cook for another 30 minutes or until steak is tender and breaks apart easily with a fork.

Note: If you notice that liquids in pan start to dry out too much, simply add a little bit of water to skillet and cover again.

As steak is cooking you will start to notice the tomato sauce incorporated with the marinade and turning into a savory tomato sauce.

Steak is done.

1. Serve with white or yellow rice.
2. Drizzle steaks with sauce from pan.

Note: I added more water to the cube steak here.

Don’t forget the avocado slices and plantains!

Enjoy!

For other delicious Puerto Rican dishes, you will also love these:

Pasteles al Caldero (Pasteles Soup)

Arroz con Gandules (Pigeon Peas and Rice)

Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks)

DON’T FORGET TO>>>>!!!!

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📖 Recipe