Classic Filipino Hamsilog Recipe: A Delicious Breakfast Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 2 pieces of sweet ham steak, approximately 200g each
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tomato, sliced for garnish (optional)
  • 2 spring onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by cooking the jasmine rice according to the instructions on the packet. Set it aside to cool slightly once cooked.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is golden brown.
  3. Add the cooked rice to the pan, mix it well with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then transfer the garlic fried rice to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Using the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Place the ham steaks in the pan, cooking them on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they are browned and fully cooked. Remove the ham from the pan and set it aside.
  5. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Crack the eggs into the pan, being careful not to break the yolks. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the eggs, then cover the pan and let the eggs cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
  6. Arrange the garlic fried rice, ham steaks, and fried eggs on a plate. Garnish with sliced tomatoes and chopped spring onions if desired. Serve warm. Enjoy your Hamsilog!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of sweet ham steak, try using other types of ham such as smoked ham or honey-glazed ham for a different flavor.
  • For a healthier twist, you can use turkey ham or chicken ham as a substitute for pork ham.
  • If you prefer a meat-free option, replace the ham with tofu or tempeh slices seasoned with your favorite spices.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the garlic fried rice for added texture and nutrition.
  • For a spicy kick, add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to the garlic fried rice.
  • Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
  • Instead of frying the eggs, you can also poach or scramble them according to your preference.
  • Top the Hamsilog with a drizzle of your favorite sauce, such as hollandaise sauce or sriracha mayo, to enhance the flavors.
  • For a complete meal, serve Hamsilog with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Recipe overview

Hamsilog is a popular Filipino breakfast meal that is both hearty and satisfying. This dish features three main components: a serving of garlic fried rice ('sinangag'), a slice of sweet ham, and a fried egg ('itlog'), hence the name 'Hamsilog'. Preparing this delightful meal is quite simple and straight-forward, making it perfect for those busy mornings. Each bite gives a wonderful blend of flavors from the fragrant garlic rice, the savory sweetness of the ham, and the lusciousness of the runny egg yolk. This recipe walks you through the process of making your own Hamsilog at home, and in no time, you'll be serving a breakfast that not only satisfies but also brings a unique Filipino touch to your morning routine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer. However, jasmine rice is commonly used in Hamsilog for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.
  2. Can I substitute the sweet ham with a different type of ham? Yes, you can use other types of ham such as honey ham or smoked ham. However, the sweetness of the ham steak complements the savory flavors of the dish.
  3. What can I serve with Hamsilog? Hamsilog is often enjoyed on its own as a complete meal. However, you can pair it with a side of fresh tomatoes, pickled vegetables, or a side salad if desired.
  4. Can I add other ingredients to the garlic fried rice? Certainly! You can customize the garlic fried rice by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. You can also add soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra flavor.
  5. Can I cook the eggs differently? Yes, you can cook the eggs according to your preference. If you prefer fully cooked eggs, you can scramble or fry them until they are fully set.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying pan - A medium-sized frying pan is needed to cook the garlic fried rice, ham steaks, and fried eggs.
  • Spatula - Use a spatula to flip and turn the ham steaks and fried eggs without breaking them.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon will be helpful for stirring and mixing the garlic fried rice.
  • Rice cooker - If you have a rice cooker, it can be used to cook the jasmine rice.
  • Knife - Use a knife to mince the garlic, chop the onion, and slice the tomatoes.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Paper towel - Keep some paper towels nearby to wipe the pan clean between cooking the ham and frying the eggs.
  • Plate - Serve the Hamsilog on a plate for easy presentation and enjoyment.
  • Optional: Garnish tools - If desired, you can use a tomato slicer and herb scissors to slice the tomatoes and chop the spring onions for garnishing.

Origin stories

Hamsilog, a portmanteau of "ham," "sinangag" (fried rice), and "itlog" (egg), is a classic Filipino breakfast dish that reflects the country's historical influences and resourcefulness. The tradition of serving meat, rice, and eggs for breakfast began during the American occupation, when canned goods, including ham, were introduced to the Filipinos. It's a testament to the Filipino spirit of adapting foreign influences into their local cuisine, creating hearty, satisfying dishes that fuel long days of work. Today, the "-silog" suffix is a common way to denote a meal served with garlic fried rice and eggs, and you can find many variations, like tapsilog (beef), tocilog (sweet pork), and longsilog (sausage). With its blend of salty, garlicky, and hearty flavors, Hamsilog is more than just a breakfast meal; it's a symbol of Filipino resilience and creativity.

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.