Tapsilog Recipe

Tapsilog is one of the most popular Filipino breakfast combinations. The name comes from tapa, sinangag, and itlog. The salty and slightly sweet beef pairs perfectly with garlic rice and a fried egg, making it a hearty meal that many Filipinos enjoy any time of day. It belongs in Filipino Food Month because breakfast culture is a major part of Filipino food identity, and silog meals are among the most recognizable examples.

This tapsilog recipe is written for a Filipino Food Month series that runs through April, with one dish featured each day. It is meant to be approachable for home cooks while still honoring the familiar flavors that make Filipino food so loved.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced


• 2 tbsp soy sauce


• 1 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice


• 1 tbsp brown sugar


• 4 cloves garlic, minced


• 1/2 tsp black pepper


• 3 cups cooked rice, chilled


• 3 tbsp oil, divided


• 3 eggs


• Salt to taste

Instructions
1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, calamansi juice, brown sugar, half of the garlic, and black pepper for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat oil in a pan and cook the beef until browned and slightly caramelized.
3. In another pan, sauté the remaining garlic in oil until lightly golden.
4. Add the rice and stir-fry until heated through. Season with salt as needed.
5. Fry the eggs to your preferred doneness.
6. Serve the beef tapa with garlic rice and fried eggs.

Cooking Tips


• Using cold rice gives better garlic rice texture.


• Cook the tapa in batches if needed so it browns instead of steams.