Bistec Encebollado (Cube Steak and Onions)

5 from 7 votes

Bistec Encebollado (Cube Steak with Onions) is a classic savory Puerto Rican dish that's not only delicious but very easy to make. Pairs deliciously with rice and stewed beans.

Prep Time30

Cook Time1 20

Total Time1 50

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Servings:

Calories: 424kcal

Author: Catherine Arena

Ingredients

2 pounds cube steak
2 tablespoon vegetable or corn oil
¼ cup white, apple or red wine vinegar
⅓-½ cup vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves mash in a mortar and pestle
½-1 teaspoon adobo seasoning sprinkled on both sides of steaks
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
2 onions cut into slices
1-1½ cups water

Instructions

In a mortar and pestle, add the garlic, oregano, pepper and mash finely.
Note: If you do not have a mortar and pestle, add the garlic, pepper, oregano and vinegar to a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the oil and vinegar to the mortar and stir. Set aside until ready to use.
Season the cube steaks on both sides with the adobo seasoning.
Place the steaks in a mixing bowl and add the garlic, pepper, oregano and vinegar blend. Mix well, cover and allow to marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of oil. When the oil is heated through, at the cube steaks making sure to reserve the marinade. Brown the steaks on both sides.
Once the steaks have browned some, add the marinade the steaks were soaking in plus 1 cup of water. Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, lower the heat to medium-low, cover again and cook for another 30 minutes.
Note: Make sure to watch the steaks while they're cooking, making sure the liquid is not drying out and that the steaks do not burn. If you notice the liquid is getting too low, add a little bit of water to the skillet, cover again and continue cooking.
After an hour cooking time, lift the lid and add the sliced onions. Cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the cube steaks are fork-tender.
The cube steaks are done. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Notes:

Watch the Heat - Be watchful of the steaks as they are cooking. The water could evaporate quickly and the steaks will burn.

Marinate - Although this recipe calls for a minimum of 30 minutes, for the best flavor, marinate overnight.

Onions - Add the onions towards the end of the cooking time so they do not dissipate in the sauce.

Nutrition