Bistec en Salsa, a staple in Puerto Rican kitchens; tender cube steak is marinated in simple spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve with rice for the perfect comforting meal!
Bistec en Salsa (Cube Steaks in Tomato Sauce) is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home. Seasoned very similarly to our bistec encebollado, then simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce until it practically melts in your mouth.
These steaks pair excellently with Puerto Rican Yellow Rice with Corn, there’s just something about this combo that really works perfectly! It’s also amazing with arroz blanco (Puerto Rican white rice) and a side of habichuelas guisadas (Puerto Rican beans). No matter which rice you choose, don’t forget to add some fresh avocado slices and crispy garlic tostones or plátanos fritos on the side!
Ingredients You Will Need
The Key to Perfect Bistec
The key to perfect bistec en salsa is two fold. First, let the steaks marinate for a few hours, or overnight. This step allows the spices and the vinegar blend to soak into the steaks, making them incredibly tender and so full of flavor.
Secondly, while the steaks cook through in just 30 minutes, the real magic happens when you let it simmer on medium-low heat for about an hour and a half. This slow cooking process breaks down the steaks, making them so tender. Patience is key here, take your time and let the flavors develop. The longer it cooks, the more delicious it becomes, and the result is melt-in-your-mouth steaks that are delicious and tender.
Instructions
Step 1: Place the cube steaks in a bowl and season both sides generously with adobo and the blended garlic, oregano, and vinegar mixture. Drizzle in the oil.
Toss the steaks, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade.
Cover and let marinate for a few hours. TIP: Best if left to marinate overnight.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cube steaks along with the marinade. Add the wine. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the steaks to tenderize.
Step 3: Uncover, flip the steaks over, and then add the onions and pour in the tomato sauce.
Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of water.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and easily fall apart with a fork.
Step 4: If the liquid starts to reduce too much, add a little more water to keep the steaks tender, flavorful and saucy. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
Other Delicious Puerto Rican Dishes
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📖 Recipe
Bistec en Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cube steaks rinsed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
- ¼ cup white or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 6 garlic cloves peeled
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dry oregano
- 2 large onions cut into slices
Instructions
Marinade
- Add garlic and oregano to a mortar and mash with the pestle.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 mini food chopper or blender and blend until smooth.
Seasoning
- Place the cube steaks in a bowl and sprinkle both sides with adobo. Top the steaks with the blended garlic, oregano, and vinegar mixture. Drizzle in the oil. Toss the steaks, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade.Cover and let marinate for a few hours. Note: Best if left to marinate overnight.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cube steaks along with the marinade. Add the wine. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes.Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and steaks to tenderize.
- Uncover, flip the steaks over, and then add the onions and pour in the tomato sauce.Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of water.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the steak is tender and easily falls apart with a fork. The cube steaks are done.Tip: If the liquid starts to reduce too much, add a little water to keep the steaks tender, flavorful and saucy and cook for a few more minutes to thicken slightly.
Serving
- Serve with white or yellow rice. Drizzle steaks with sauce from pan.
Biana says
This looks so delicious! I love making beef with veggies, so will definitely be trying this.
Cathy says
Thank you Biana!
Sophie says
That sauce was the star of the dish. My family loved every bit of it.
Cathy says
Awww, I’m so happy to hear that Sophie!
Alison says
Such a flavorful tomato sauce that pairs well with the steak.
Cathy says
Thanks Alison! So yum!
Alice | SkinnySpatula says
This looks like a very comforting recipe. I love adobo seasoning and your recipe gives me an excuse to use it more 🙂
Cathy says
Thanks Alice! It sure is comforting!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
That looks so tasty and easy to do and I love how the sauce comes together.
Cathy says
Thanks Amanda! It’s delicious!