There’s something incredibly comforting about a good onion steak. Whether you’re talking bistec encebollado from Latin America or a classic diner-style steak smothered in caramelized onions, this dish delivers simple flavors with a satisfying result.
This guide provides a complete recipe for making the perfect onion steak at home, along with tips and tricks to ensure a tender, flavorful meal every time. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Selecting and preparing the steak
The type of steak you choose and how you prepare it can make a big difference in your final dish. Here are some considerations.
Choosing the right cut
A lot of people like to use sirloin steak for onion steak, but flank steak and skirt steak are great choices, too. When you’re trying to decide which cut to buy, keep in mind how tender the meat is, how much fat it has, and how much it costs.
Preparing the steak for cooking
Most onion steak recipes call for thinly sliced steak, about 1/4-inch thick. Tenderizing the steak is also important, so use a meat mallet to pound it a little. If you want to make it super easy, ask the butcher to slice and tenderize the meat for you.
Marinating for maximum flavor
Marinating is essential for adding a depth of flavor and tenderizing what can sometimes be a tough cut of meat. For this onion steak recipe, we’re going to keep things simple, but feel free to experiment with the herbs and spices you have on hand.
Creating a simple and effective marinade
For a single steak, you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons lite salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
Whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup and pour over your steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight for even more flavor.
Preparing the Onions
Yellow onions are the classic choice for onion steak. Their flavor becomes wonderfully rich and sweet as they caramelize. Sweet onions work well, too, for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Slice the onions to your desired thickness. Thinner slices will cook faster and melt into the steak more, while thicker slices will retain more of their shape and texture.
To caramelize the onions, sauté them in a pan with butter or oil over medium-low heat until they soften and turn a deep golden brown. This process takes time, so be patient and stir them occasionally to prevent burning.
Cooking the onion steak
Here’s how to put all that prep work to good use:
Searing the steak
- Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Sear the steak quickly on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook it through at this point; you just want a nice, browned exterior.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Simmering the steak and onions
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until they’re softened and starting to turn translucent.
- Return the steak to the skillet, nestling it among the onions.
- Add about ½ cup of water or broth to the skillet.
- Simmer the steak and onions together until the steak is tender, around 30-40 minutes. Check the liquid level every so often, adding more if needed to keep things moist and prevent sticking.
- Optional: For a little extra flavor, consider tossing in some sliced green pepper along with the onions.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Onion steak goes well with:
- White rice and stewed beans
- Tostones
You can make onion steak with different kinds of onions. Sweet onions will add a hint of sweetness to the dish. You can also try it with different cuts of steak, like sirloin or flank steak. Some people add bell peppers or other vegetables to their onion steak.
This dish is prepared and served around the world. For example, bistec encebollado is a popular Puerto Rican dish featuring thinly sliced steak cooked with onions.
The Bottom Line
To make onion steak, you’ll slice the onions and steak, sear the steak, caramelize the onions, and combine them. It’s simple, quick, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and sides.
So, give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did!