Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, lemon or calamansi juice & black pepper. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Sauté aromatics: Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil. Cook onions for 2 to 3 minutes then garlic for 30 seconds.

Brown the beef: Add the marinated beef and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes.. You do not need to fully brown every piece, but let it cook enough to build flavor.

Add sauce and liquids: Add leftover marinade, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, fish sauce, bay leaves, optional bouillon cube, optional paprika. Scrape the bottom well to avoid the burn warning.

Pressure cook: Close lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Let it natural release for 10 to 15 minutes, then quick release the rest.

Add vegetables: Open lid and add carrots & potatoes. Close lid again and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release.

Finish the dish: Add bell peppers, green peas, sugar if using. Set to Sauté and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and peppers are just tender. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, a little more soy sauce, a little more lemon juice if needed. Serve hot with steamed white rice.