Bistec De Cerdo

Bistec De Cerdo

Bistec de Cerdo (pork steak) is a popular dish in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, featuring thinly sliced or pounded pork steaks often marinated and cooked with flavorful seasonings. Its history reflects the fusion of culinary traditions that arose from the blending of indigenous, European, and African influences in the Americas. Here’s a simple recipe for making Bistec de cerdo:

Ingredients:

  • 4 pork steaks, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  • Marinate the Pork Steaks by combining in a bowl, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this marinade all over the pork steaks. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. You can marinate them longer for more flavor, even overnight if desired. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper. Slice the tomato if using.
  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork steaks to the pan.Cook the pork steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks. Make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.

Remove the steaks to rest.

  • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.and add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the vegetables are cooked, add the beef or chicken broth to the skillet.
  • Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to loosen any browned bits (this adds flavor to the sauce).

Assemble:

  • Arrange the cooked pork steaks on a serving platter.
  • Spoon the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the pork steaks.
  • Optionally, garnish with sliced tomatoes and chopped cilantro or parsley.

Serve:

  • Serve the Bistec de cerdo hot, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing
    over the meat.
  • This dish goes well with rice, beans, or a side salad.

Enjoy your homemade Bistec de cerdo!