Authentic Spanish Style Steak (Bistec a la Española)

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on home cooking experiences)

👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes

⏰ Total Time: 40 minutes

🥘 Servings: 4

📊 Difficulty Level: Medium

What is Bistec a la Española?

As a Spanish chef with over 25 years of experience, I can tell you that Bistec a la Española is more than just a recipe – it's a celebration of Spanish culinary tradition. This classic dish features tender beef steak prepared with a distinctive Spanish marinade that transforms an ordinary cut of meat into something extraordinary.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors and simple cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Why you'll love this recipe

There's something magical about gathering around the table to share a perfectly cooked Spanish steak. In my family, this dish has always been a symbol of celebration and togetherness. The aroma of sizzling beef and garlic wafting through the kitchen never fails to bring everyone together, creating those precious moments of connection that make cooking so rewarding.

Ingredients

• 4 top round steaks (about 200g each), tenderized

• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

• 2 large Spanish onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin Spanish olive oil

• 2 tablespoons Spanish sherry vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika

• 2 bay leaves

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Marinate the Meat

• Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper

• Mix garlic, paprika, and sherry vinegar

• Rub the mixture into the meat

• Let marinate for at least 30 minutes

Cook the Onions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

• Add sliced onions and bay leaves

• Cook until onions are caramelized and golden (about 15 minutes)

Cook the Steak

• Remove onions and set aside

• In the same pan, increase heat to high

• Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare

• Return onions to the pan and warm through

Professional chef tips

• Choose a good quality top round or sirloin steak for best results

• Always let the meat come to room temperature before cooking

• Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary

• Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving

• For extra tenderness, use a meat mallet to tenderize the steaks

What to serve with spanish steak

This bistec pairs beautifully with:

• Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes)

• Grilled Mediterranean vegetables

• Fresh crusty bread to soak up the juices

• A glass of Spanish Rioja wine