Bright citrus, savory beef, fresh green onions, and a little heat come together in this flavorful beef kelaguen recipe. Inspired by the traditional flavors of Guam, this dish uses just a handful of ingredients to create something deliciously tangy and satisfying. It’s a great way to try something new in the kitchen without a long list of ingredients or complicated preparation. Serve it alongside steamed rice for a simple meal that lets the bold flavors shine.
What Is Beef Kelaguen?
Kelaguen is a traditional dish from Guam and an important part of CHamoru cuisine. Often compared to ceviche, kelaguen typically features meat or seafood combined with citrus juice, onions, and spicy peppers. There are several variations of kelaguen, including chicken, shrimp, fish, and beef, each offering its own combination of flavors and textures. Citrus and a little heat are central to the dish, giving it a distinctive balance of tangy, savory, and spicy flavors.
Beef kelaguen features thinly sliced beef tossed with lemon juice and other seasonings, creating a refreshing dish that’s especially delicious served with rice. Traditional preparations vary, and some use raw beef marinated in citrus juice. This version uses cooked beef for a safer approach to preparing the dish at home while maintaining the bright, bold flavors that make kelaguen so distinctive.
Beef Kelaguen Recipe
This simple beef kelaguen recipe brings together tender flank steak, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, green onions, and hot sauce. The citrus adds brightness, the soy sauce provides savory depth, and the green onions add a fresh bite. A little hot sauce rounds everything out with just the right amount of heat, which can easily be adjusted to your preference.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice, or as needed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce, to taste
- 2 pounds beef flank steak
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the beef. Cook the flank steak using your preferred method until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest. Refrigerate promptly until chilled.
- Prepare the marinade. In a large glass bowl, combine the lemon juice, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Slice the beef. Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled flank steak into very thin slices against the grain. This helps create more tender pieces that absorb the marinade.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the sliced beef and green onions to the marinade. Toss until the beef is evenly coated, adding a little more lemon juice if needed.
- Marinate. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately one hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve and enjoy. Give the beef kelaguen a final toss before serving. Enjoy chilled alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Making Beef Kelaguen
One of the keys to making delicious beef kelaguen is slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. Flank steak has long muscle fibers, so cutting across them helps create tender, easy-to-eat pieces. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is another important ingredient, providing the bright citrus flavor that makes this dish stand out. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemons offer the best flavor.
You can also adjust the heat to suit your taste. Start with a small amount of hot sauce and add more as needed. Allowing the beef to marinate in the refrigerator gives the citrus, soy sauce, and green onions time to come together, creating a balanced, flavorful dish.
What to Serve With Beef Kelaguen
Beef kelaguen pairs especially well with steamed white rice, which balances the tangy citrus marinade and savory beef. For a meal inspired by Guam, try serving it alongside red rice, a popular accompaniment in CHamoru cuisine. Fresh vegetables or a simple cucumber salad also make excellent sides, adding a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the beef.
With its combination of tender beef, bright lemon juice, and fresh green onions, this Guam-style beef kelaguen recipe is a delicious way to explore new flavors and bring something different to your dinner table.
Keep Cookin’ with Oryana
Ready to try this beef kelaguen recipe at home? Stop by either Oryana Community Co-op location in Traverse City to pick up beef, fresh lemons, green onions, and all the ingredients you’ll need. Looking for more inspiration in the kitchen? Sign up for Oryana’s email newsletters for delicious recipes, seasonal inspiration, and the latest co-op news, or explore our upcoming cooking classes to discover new flavors and sharpen your culinary skills!
