Beef Salpicao: Filipino Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Tender chunks of rib-eye steak cooked to perfection, seasoned with a savory sauce, and finished with butter. Ready in under 10 minutes, this Beef Salpicao is an effortless, flavorful dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit.

If there’s one Filipino dish that makes me eat more than I planned, it’s BEEF SALPICAO.

What is beef salpicao? In short, it’s tender rib-eye or sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces, quickly seared, tossed in a simple savory sauce of soy and oyster sauce with a touch of brown sugar, then glazed with butter and topped with crispy garlic. The result is juicy, flavorful steak bites that are irresistibly good. Hungry yet?

Best of all, this comes together in less than 10 minutes with minimal prep. No marinating is required—just season, sear, and finish with sauce and butter.

Though the name sounds European, beef salpicao is a Filipino favorite. The dish likely traces influences from Spain or Portugal, introduced during centuries of colonial contact, but Filipinos made it their own by incorporating local tastes and sauces. The soy and oyster sauce combination gives it a distinctly Asian flavor while the butter and garlic add richness that keeps you coming back for more.

Salpicao works for lunch or dinner and even pairs nicely with breakfast when served with fried rice. In the Philippines it’s commonly enjoyed with Java rice (yellow fried rice) or simple garlic fried rice—either is fantastic alongside the steak.

The bold garlic and butter flavors are what make this dish so satisfying. The quick sauce—soy, oyster sauce, and brown sugar—adds depth and a touch of sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.

Ingredients for Beef Salpicao

• 12 oz rib eye or sirloin steak (room temperature), chopped into 1-inch cubes (or sliced into strips)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter

Instructions on how to make Beef Salpicao

• Lightly season the steak with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook until golden and fragrant, then remove the garlic and set aside for garnish. Add a little more oil if needed.
• Turn the heat to medium-high. Arrange the steak cubes in a single layer and sear on one side for about 1 minute. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, or until the meat reaches your preferred doneness. For tender results, avoid overcooking—keeping a little pink helps maintain juiciness.
• Pour in the prepared sauce and let it boil briefly for about 10 seconds, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
• Add the butter and cook until it melts, about a minute or less. Sprinkle half the reserved fried garlic over the steak, transfer to a serving plate, then top with the remaining garlic. Serve immediately with rice.

Pair this with Yellow Fried Rice (Java rice) or your favorite garlic fried rice for a complete meal. The combination of buttery steak and flavorful fried rice is classic and deeply satisfying.