Beef Salpicao is a savory, flavorful Filipino dish made with tender beef sirloin marinated in garlic and Knorr Liquid Seasoning, then cooked to perfection and served with a deliciously seasoned rice. The dish is elevated by the crispy beef fat trimmings mixed into the rice, making it a hearty and comforting meal for any day of the week.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ½ kg beef sirloin, fat trimmed and cut into cubes (cut fat into small cubes and set aside)

• 6 cloves garlic, chopped

• 4 tbsp Knorr Liquid Seasoning

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp canola oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• 1 long green chili, sliced

For the Steak Rice:

• Beef fat trimmings

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 cups cooked rice (cold, day-old rice works best)

• 1-2 tbsp Knorr Liquid Seasoning

• Pinch of ground black pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the beef cubes in garlic, Knorr Liquid Seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper for 10-15 minutes.

2. Heat a pan over medium heat and add canola oil or butter. Sauté the chopped garlic until it’s toasted and fragrant.

3. Drain the beef from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and add the beef cubes to the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan, toss in the sliced green chili, and sauté for another minute. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

5. In the same pan, cook the beef fat trimmings until they turn brown and crispy. Add butter to the pan, then toss in the cooked rice, seasoning with Knorr Liquid Seasoning and ground black pepper.

6. Serve the beef salpicao with the seasoned rice while still warm, and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~500

• Total Fat: ~30g

• Saturated Fat: ~8g

• Cholesterol: ~100mg

• Sodium: ~800mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Sugars: ~2g

• Protein: ~35g

A Dish Rooted in Filipino Flavor

Beef Salpicao is a perfect example of how Filipino dishes bring together strong flavors in harmony. The marinade, composed of garlic and Knorr Liquid Seasoning, infuses the beef with a deep and rich umami taste, which is the backbone of the dish. Knorr Liquid Seasoning is a pantry staple in many Filipino kitchens, prized for its ability to bring out the natural flavors of meats and vegetables. It’s a versatile seasoning that, when paired with garlic, adds layers of flavor that penetrate the beef and make it tender and juicy.

The addition of fresh, sliced green chili adds a mild heat to the dish, giving it an extra dimension without overwhelming the palate. The subtle spiciness is balanced by the savory richness of the beef and the savory steak rice that accompanies it. This dish is a perfect example of how Filipino cuisine embraces bold, simple flavors to create a comforting and delicious meal.

The Heart of the Dish: Tender Beef Sirloin

The foundation of Beef Salpicao lies in the tender beef sirloin. Sirloin is chosen for this dish because it has just the right amount of fat and tenderness, making it perfect for marinating and quick cooking. The marinating process is crucial because it allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the garlic and seasoning, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.

Once marinated, the beef cubes are cooked in a hot pan, where they quickly sear to lock in the juices, ensuring the beef remains tender on the inside while achieving a flavorful, caramelized exterior. The addition of the reserved marinade at the end of the cooking process adds depth to the dish, creating a flavorful sauce that coats the beef and further elevates the taste.

What makes this dish unique is the final touch—crispy beef fat trimmings mixed into the rice. As the beef fat crisps up, it adds a delicious crunch and richness to the rice, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish. This pairing of crispy beef fat with perfectly cooked rice is a highlight of the dish, turning what could have been a simple accompaniment into a key player in the meal.

Steak Rice: The Unsung Hero

While Beef Salpicao is known for its savory, tender beef, the accompanying steak rice is just as important. The rice is not merely a side dish; it is integral to the flavor and texture balance of the entire meal. The steak rice is made by cooking beef fat trimmings until crispy, then mixing it with the rice to give it a rich, savory flavor. The crispy beef fat adds a unique texture to the rice, making it more than just a bland base for the beef.

Knorr Liquid Seasoning and freshly ground black pepper season the rice, bringing it to life and ensuring it complements the bold flavors of the beef. The rice soaks up all the delicious beef fat, making it flavorful and comforting. This simple yet ingenious pairing of beef fat and rice elevates Beef Salpicao into a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Everyday Comfort

Beef Salpicao is a versatile dish that works just as well for a special family meal as it does for a quick weekday dinner. Its bold flavors make it a perfect choice for gatherings or occasions where you want to impress your guests with something flavorful and satisfying. The dish is filling, flavorful, and comforting, making it a great option when you want to treat your loved ones to a hearty meal.

While Beef Salpicao might be considered a bit indulgent due to the use of beef fat in the rice, it’s still a relatively simple and straightforward dish to prepare. The cooking time is relatively short, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it a convenient choice for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether served as part of a larger feast or as a stand-alone meal, Beef Salpicao brings the right amount of richness and comfort to any dining table. The combination of tender beef, flavorful marinade, and crispy steak rice creates a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

A Hearty, Balanced Meal

One of the reasons Beef Salpicao is such a beloved dish is that it offers a perfect balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal. The beef provides a generous serving of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The rice offers carbohydrates, providing the energy you need to power through the day, while the beef fat adds richness and flavor to the dish.

While the dish is on the heavier side due to the beef fat in the rice, it is still balanced in terms of flavor and texture. The crispy beef fat complements the tender beef and rice, adding an extra dimension to the dish that makes it feel indulgent without being overwhelmingly rich. The addition of freshly ground black pepper and a touch of chili ensures that the dish maintains a level of freshness and spice that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

How to Serve Beef Salpicao

Beef Salpicao is best served immediately after cooking while the beef is still tender and the steak rice is hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of vegetables for added color and nutrition. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of sautéed greens would pair wonderfully with the richness of the beef and rice.

For an added touch of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of soy sauce can be served on the side, allowing each diner to adjust the flavor to their liking. The heat from the chili also allows you to customize the spice level, making it a dish that can be tailored to suit various preferences.

Conclusion

Beef Salpicao is a dish that embodies the bold and savory flavors of Filipino cuisine, offering a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef sirloin, flavorful marinade, and crispy steak rice, this dish is both satisfying and indulgent. The crispy beef fat in the rice elevates the dish to a whole new level, making it a true standout in Filipino comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or preparing a special dish for guests, Beef Salpicao delivers on both flavor and texture. It’s a well-rounded meal that combines protein, fat, and carbohydrates in a balanced way, making it both delicious and filling. The flavors are rich, savory, and slightly spicy, making each bite an enjoyable experience. For anyone looking to explore Filipino cuisine or simply enjoy a hearty, comforting meal, Beef Salpicao is a must-try.