Bistec Ranchero (Beef Steak Strips in Ranchera Sauce)
Thin strips of beef cooked quickly with onion and pepper in a ranchera sauce, ready for tortillas or rice.
Made with Salsa ranchera and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.21 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Season the beef with 1 tsp salt. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Sear the beef in two batches for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then lift out.
2 min - 2
Add the remaining oil, onion and pepper to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and oregano for 30 seconds.
5 min - 3
Pour in your ready made salsa ranchera (see the base recipe). Simmer for 5 minutes until thick.
5 min - 4
Return the beef and juices to the pan and cook for 2 minutes so the meat is heated through but still tender.
2 min - 5
Warm your ready made corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan until soft. Serve the steak and sauce with the coriander and tortillas.
Tips
- Slice the beef across the grain as thinly as you can. Freezing it for 20 minutes first makes slicing easier.
- Do not overcook the beef. It only needs to be returned to the sauce to warm through.
- Rump, sirloin or frying steak all work well here.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Make the sauce part ahead, then add the freshly seared beef when you are ready to eat.
Which cut of beef is best?
Rump or sirloin steak are tender and quick. Cheaper cuts need simmering for about an hour instead.
More made with salsa ranchera
Pescado a la Ranchera (Baked Fish in Ranchera Sauce)
EFNFHuevos Motuleños (Yucatecan Eggs with Plantain and Beans)
NFCamarones Rancheros (Prawns in Ranchera Sauce)
GFDFEFAlbondigón Relleno de Huevo con Salsa Ranchera (Mexican Meatloaf Stuffed with Egg)
DFNFHPDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.