Pigar Pigar is a traditional Filipino dish hailing from the Ilocos region.
Inspired by the vibrant street food culture, this stir-fried beef and vegetable medley showcases the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines.
It is a harmonious blend of thinly sliced beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices, resulting in a dish bursting with flavors and textures.
How to Make Pigar Pigar
While Pigar Pigar may seem intimidating to prepare at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Filipino cooking techniques, fear not!
This guide is specifically designed to address your pain points and simplify the process, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks alike.
By breaking down each step and highlighting essential ingredients and techniques, we aim to alleviate any concerns or uncertainties you may have had about preparing this delectable dish.
Ingredients for Pigar Pigar
For this delightful Pigar Pigar recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 2 bell peppers (preferably green and red), sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Pigar Pigar
Preparing the Beef: Begin by slicing the beef sirloin into thin strips. Ensuring the beef is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking is important. Tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin, work best for this recipe.
Marinating the Beef: Combine the sliced beef, minced garlic, soy sauce, calamansi juice, ground black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well, ensuring that each piece of beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Cooking the Vegetables: Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent and slightly caramelized. Vegetables will release their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they become tender yet retain some crunch. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers will add visual appeal to the dish.
Combining the Beef and Vegetables: Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the pan. Stir-fry the beef with the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be mindful not to overcook the beef, as it may become tough.
Once the beef is cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce, calamansi juice, or salt, according to your preference. Please give it a final stir to ensure all the flavors are well incorporated.
Tips for the Perfect Pigar Pigar:
- You can use calamansi juice, a Filipino citrus fruit, instead of lemon juice, for a more authentic touch. It adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish.
- To achieve the perfect texture, thinly slice the beef against the grain. Thinly slicing the beef will result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Experiment with different types of bell peppers to add a burst of color and flavor to your Pigar Pigar. The combination of green and red bell peppers offers a visually appealing contrast.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce while stir-frying the vegetables.
Serving Pigar Pigar
Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your Pigar Pigar experience:
- Steamed Rice: The traditional way to serve Pigar Pigar is over a bed of steamed rice. The fluffy rice acts as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of the dish to shine.
- Warm Tortillas: For a unique twist, serve Pigar Pigar with warm tortillas. Allow your guests to create their own wraps by filling the tortillas with the beef and vegetable mixture. This adds an element of fun and customization to the meal.
- Fresh Salad: Pigar Pigar can also be paired with a fresh side salad. Prepare a crisp and vibrant salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The refreshing salad complements the rich flavors of the dish.
- Garlic Fried Rice: For a flavorful alternative to steamed rice, you can serve Pigar Pigar with garlic fried rice. Simply sauté cooked rice with minced garlic and a touch of soy sauce until it’s fragrant and lightly browned. This adds an aromatic and savory element to the meal.
- Garnish and Condiments: Sprinkle some chopped spring onions or cilantro over the Pigar Pigar to add a pop of color and freshness. Additionally, serve it with a side of calamansi or lemon wedges, which can be squeezed over the dish to enhance the citrusy notes.
Pigar Pigar Variations and Substitutes
- Chicken Pigar Pigar: Use thinly sliced chicken instead of beef.
- Seafood Pigar Pigar: Try shrimp, squid, or fish as alternatives to beef.
- Vegetarian Pigar Pigar: Skip the meat and focus on colorful vegetables. Add tofu or tempeh for protein.
- Spicy Pigar Pigar: Add chili peppers or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Sauce Variation: Experiment with a savory sauce using soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sugar.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
How to store and reheat?
Here’s a guide on how to store and reheat Pigar Pigar:
Storing:
Allow the Pigar Pigar to cool down to room temperature.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
Place the container in the refrigerator.
Pigar Pigar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Before reheating, remove the Pigar Pigar from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
There are a couple of ways you can reheat Pigar Pigar:
Stovetop: Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and warm the Pigar Pigar, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Microwave: Transfer a portion of Pigar Pigar to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated thoroughly.
Once reheated, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a splash of soy sauce or calamansi juice to refresh the flavors, if desired.
It’s important to note that the texture of the beef and vegetables may slightly change after reheating, becoming softer. However, Pigar Pigar can still be enjoyed when reheated properly. Avoid reheating it multiple times to maintain its quality.
FAQs – Pigar Pigar
Can I use a different cut of beef for Pigar Pigar?
While sirloin is the recommended cut, you can also use other tender cuts such as tenderloin or ribeye.
Can I add other vegetables to Pigar Pigar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to enhance the dish.
What can I serve with Pigar Pigar?
Pigar Pigar is commonly served with steamed rice, but you can also enjoy it with warm tortillas or as a filling for sandwiches.
Pigar Pigar Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams of beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 2 large onions sliced into rings
- 2 bell peppers preferably green and red, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Beef: Begin by slicing the beef sirloin into thin strips. Ensuring the beef is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking is important. Tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin, work best for this recipe.
- Marinating the Beef: Combine the sliced beef, minced garlic, soy sauce, calamansi juice, ground black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well, ensuring that each piece of beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cooking the Vegetables: Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent and slightly caramelized. Vegetables will release their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
- Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they become tender yet retain some crunch. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers will add visual appeal to the dish.
- Combining the Beef and Vegetables: Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the pan. Stir-fry the beef with the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be mindful not to overcook the beef, as it may become tough.
- Once the beef is cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce, calamansi juice, or salt, according to your preference. Please give it a final stir to ensure all the flavors are well incorporated.
