Authentic Filipino Silog: A Complete Guide to Preparing the Perfect Breakfast Dish

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked rice
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 pieces of Chinese sausage, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of vinegar
4 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pieces of garlic, minced for the garlic fried rice
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for the garlic fried rice
Fish sauce to taste for the vinegar dipping sauce
Chili pepper flakes to taste for the vinegar dipping sauce

Steps and instructions

Start by cooking the rice. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook until it is golden brown. Remove half of the garlic and set it aside for later use.
Add the cooked rice to the pan with the remaining garlic. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the garlic and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the garlic fried rice aside.
Next, cook the Chinese sausage. In the same pan, add the slices of Chinese sausage and cook until they are crispy and browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Now, prepare the vinegar dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, fish sauce, and chili pepper flakes. Stir well and set aside.
Lastly, cook the eggs. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Fry the eggs until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
To serve, divide the garlic fried rice among four plates. Top each plate with a fried egg and some slices of the cooked Chinese sausage. Sprinkle the reserved crispy garlic on top. Serve with the vinegar dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized frying pan for cooking the rice, garlic, Chinese sausage, and eggs.
Small bowl - A small bowl for mixing the vinegar dipping sauce.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring the rice and flipping the eggs.
Knife - A knife for mincing the garlic and slicing the Chinese sausage.
Cutting board - A cutting board for chopping garlic and slicing the Chinese sausage.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the cooked rice and vinegar.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for measuring the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, fish sauce, and chili pepper flakes.

Recipe variations

Substitute the Chinese sausage with bacon or ham for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the garlic fried rice for added color and nutrition.
For a meat-free option, replace the Chinese sausage with tofu or tempeh.
Experiment with different types of rice such as jasmine rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
Add chopped scallions or onions to the garlic fried rice for a subtle onion flavor.
Try using different types of vinegar for the dipping sauce, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
Add a touch of sweetness to the vinegar dipping sauce by mixing in a small amount of honey or sugar.
For a spicy twist, add chopped chili peppers or hot sauce to the garlic fried rice.
Incorporate other seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
Include additional toppings such as fried garlic chips, crispy onions, or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Silog is a popular Filipino breakfast dish that's hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The name comes from a combination of the words 'sinangag' (garlic fried rice) and 'itlog' (egg). This recipe also includes Chinese sausage, giving it a unique twist. With every bite, you'll enjoy the crunch of garlic fried rice, the succulent taste of the Chinese sausage, and the creaminess of a perfectly cooked egg. It's served with a tangy vinegar dipping sauce that adds a delightful kick. This dish is simple to prepare and makes for a wonderful breakfast or brunch meal. So, get ready to learn how to make this delicious dish at home. Enjoy a taste of Filipino cuisine with Silog!

Common questions

Can I use other types of meat instead of Chinese sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Chinese sausage with other meats such as bacon, ham, or even leftover grilled meats.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that the cooking time for brown rice may be longer, so adjust accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the Chinese sausage and using tofu or tempeh as a meat substitute. You can also add some sautéed vegetables for added flavor.
Can I make the garlic fried rice in advance?
Yes, you can make the garlic fried rice in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use other types of vinegar for the dipping sauce?
Yes, you can use other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar if you prefer. Adjust the amount of vinegar to taste.
Can I add other ingredients or spices to the garlic fried rice?
Yes, you can customize the garlic fried rice by adding ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or even some soy sauce for extra flavor.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic used?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic used based on your preference. If you love garlic, you can add more, and if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A pan is needed to cook the garlic fried rice, Chinese sausage, and eggs.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the ingredients for the vinegar dipping sauce.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring the rice and flipping the eggs.
Knife - A knife is necessary to mince the garlic and slice the Chinese sausage.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Plates - Plates are needed for serving the silog dish.

Origin stories

Silog, a popular Filipino breakfast dish, is a portmanteau of the Tagalog words "sinangag" (fried rice) and "itlog" (egg). This delightful meal has countless variations based on the type of meat or seafood added, often signified by an affix to the name. For instance, tapsilog features tapa (cured beef), longsilog uses longganisa (Philippine sausage), and bangsilog includes bangus (milkfish). These dishes are a testament to the Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness, turning simple ingredients into hearty and satisfying meals. It's notable that despite the dish's humble origins, it has made its way into fancy brunch spots and international food markets. There's a certain magic in starting your day with a plate of silog, a comforting reminder of home for every Filipino, wherever they may be.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.