Bistec Picado Panameño con Papas (Pan-Simmered Steak Strips in Tomato Gravy) – Authentic Panama Recipe
Beloved Panamanian fonda comfort dish of tender steak strips and potatoes in rich tomato-pepper gravy.
- Country of Origin
- 🇵🇦 Panama (Central America, Americas)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Sliced beef sirloin strips, Potato wedges, Onions and green bell peppers, Tomato sauce, Garlic
Ingredients for Bistec Picado Panameño con Papas (Pan-Simmered Steak Strips in Tomato Gravy) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) sliced beef sirloin strips, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups potato wedges, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup onions and green bell peppers
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with tomato sauce
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Panama seasoning (garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown sliced beef sirloin strips for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add potato wedges and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in onions and green bell peppers right before serving warm.