🇵🇦 Panamanian Cuisine

Bistec Encebollado

Steak Smothered in Onions

Prep Time 10 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 398 kcal

Thin beef steaks pan-fried and smothered in sweet, caramelized onions and tomatoes — a hearty Panamanian lunch staple found in every fonda.

Ingredients

1 Pound steaks thin with a mallet. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and Worcestershire.
2 Sear steaks in hot oil for 2 min per side. Remove and set aside.
3 In the same pan, cook onion rings over medium heat until deeply caramelized, about 15 min.
4 Add garlic and tomato slices, cook 3 min.
5 Return steaks to pan, nestle under onions. Cover and cook 5 min.
6 Serve steaks topped with onions, garnished with cilantro.

Did You Know?

Bistec encebollado is the most ordered dish at Panamanian fondas — it outsells every other lunch option combined.