Classic Filipino Tapsilog Recipe: A Traditional Breakfast Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of sirloin steak, sliced into thin pieces
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of calamansi juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of cooking oil
  • 1/4 cup of vinegar
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, calamansi juice, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Add the sirloin steak slices into the mixture, ensure all pieces are coated with the marinade. Leave it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better absorption of flavors.
  3. In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Cook the marinated steak for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, fry the eggs. You can cook the eggs according to your preference (sunny-side-up, scrambled, etc).
  5. Plate your dish by placing cooked rice on one side, followed by the cooked steak and fried egg. Add slices of cucumber and tomatoes on the side for a refreshing balance.
  6. For a traditional Filipino touch, serve with a small bowl of vinegar as dipping sauce for the steak.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - To slice the sirloin steak and prepare other ingredients.
  • Knife - For slicing the sirloin steak, mincing garlic, and slicing tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the steak.
  • Frying Pan - To cook the marinated steak and fry the eggs.
  • Spatula - For flipping and turning the steak while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and cooking oil.
  • Measuring Spoons - For precise measurement of sugar and black pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of meat, such as chicken or pork, instead of sirloin steak.
  • Marinate the meat in a different sauce, such as a teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the stir-fry.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and herbs, like oregano, thyme, or chili flakes, to add a different flavor profile.
  • Make it a vegetarian or vegan dish by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Try different types of rice, such as brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
  • For a healthier option, grill the meat instead of pan-frying it.
  • Serve the tapsilog with a side of atchara (pickled papaya) or kimchi for added flavor.
  • Add a fried banana (saba) or plantains as a sweet and savory side dish.
  • For a spicy kick, drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the dish.

Recipe overview

Tapsilog is a classic Filipino breakfast dish that's savored and loved by many. Derived from the words "Tapa" which refers to cured beef, "Sinangag" for garlic fried rice, and "Itlog" meaning egg, Tapsilog is a hearty combination of these three components. This dish provides a burst of flavors from the tender, garlicky beef to the perfectly fried egg and flavorful garlic rice. Topped off with fresh slices of cucumber and tomato, this meal is a great way to start your day. In this recipe, we'll marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, sugar, and pepper. For the best results, marinate the beef overnight to allow the flavors to really soak into the meat. We’ll also guide you through making the perfect garlic fried rice and fried egg to complete your Tapsilog. If you’re ready for a culinary adventure, let’s bring the traditional Filipino breakfast to your table. Enjoy the process and most importantly, enjoy your Tapsilog!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the steak? - It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better absorption of flavors.
  2. Can I use lemon juice instead of calamansi juice? - Yes, you can substitute calamansi juice with lemon juice if calamansi juice is not available.
  3. What type of steak should I use? - Sirloin steak is commonly used for Tapsilog, but you can also use other cuts such as ribeye or tenderloin.
  4. Can I use a different type of rice? - Jasmine rice is the traditional choice for Tapsilog, but you can use other types of rice such as white rice or brown rice if preferred.
  5. What should I serve with Tapsilog? - Tapsilog is typically served with a side of sliced cucumber and tomatoes. Some also like to serve it with a small bowl of vinegar as a dipping sauce for the steak.
  6. Can I cook the steak on a grill instead of a pan? - Yes, you can cook the marinated steak on a grill instead of a pan if you prefer. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - to slice the sirloin steak into thin pieces
  • Knife - for slicing the steak and mincing the garlic
  • Mixing bowl - to combine the marinade ingredients
  • Whisk - for stirring and mixing the marinade
  • Pan - for cooking the steak
  • Spatula - for flipping the steak while cooking
  • Frying pan - to fry the eggs
  • Plates - for serving the Tapsilog
  • Small bowl - for the vinegar dipping sauce
  • Chopping board - for slicing the cucumber and tomatoes
  • Serving spoon - for serving the rice, steak, and eggs

Origin stories

Tapsilog is a cornerstone dish of Filipino breakfast cuisine, with a name that's as straight to the point as the meal itself. The name is a straightforward portmanteau that reveals the main components of the dish: "Tap" for Tapa, cured beef; "Si" for Sinangag, garlic fried rice; and "Log" for Itlog, egg. This hearty breakfast staple is often enjoyed by Filipinos with a side of atchara (pickled green papaya) and a cup of strong, sweet coffee. Its origins aren't tied to a specific region in the Philippines, as it's a nationwide favorite. So regardless of where you are in the archipelago, from the bustling streets of Manila to the serene countryside of the Visayas, Tapsilog is a comforting taste of home.

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.