Delectable and Authentic Filipino Breakfast: Tinapasilog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces smoked fish (tinapa)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Small bunch of bok choy or morning glory, blanched

Steps and instructions

  1. Flake the smoked fish and set it aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic, onions, and tomatoes to the pan and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the flaked smoked fish to the pan and cook for a few more minutes.
  5. Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
  7. For the vinegar dip, mix vinegar and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
  8. Serve the garlic fried rice with the fried egg and blanched bok choy or morning glory on the side. Serve the vinegar dip in a small bowl on the side.

Tools for making

  • Pan - For sautéing the garlic, onions, tomatoes, and smoked fish.
  • Separate Pan - For frying the eggs.
  • Small Bowl - For mixing the vinegar and sugar for the dipping sauce.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - To mince the garlic, chop the onions and tomatoes.
  • Cutting Board - To safely chop the onions and tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoon - To accurately measure the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of smoked fish, such as bangus (milkfish) or tulingan (mackerel).
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the fried rice.
  • Spice it up by adding chili peppers or hot sauce to the fried rice.
  • Replace the smoked fish with other protein options like cooked shredded chicken or tofu for a meat-free version.
  • Add a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice to the vinegar dip for a tangy twist.
  • Top the fried rice with crispy fried garlic or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, for a healthier alternative.
  • Add a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami flavor.
  • Try different greens like spinach or kale instead of bok choy or morning glory.
  • For a more indulgent version, melt cheese on top of the fried rice before serving.

Recipe overview

Tinapasilog is a delicious and hearty Filipino breakfast dish that's perfect for starting your day. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of tinapa (smoked fish) with fragrant garlic rice, a perfectly fried egg, and fresh blanched greens. The dish gets its unique flavor from the combination of smoky, salty, and savory elements, balanced out by the tangy vinegar dip that's served on the side. It's a satisfying meal that's also straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both weekday mornings and leisurely weekend brunches. Enjoy the layers of flavor in this traditional Filipino dish and add a touch of authentic Filipino cuisine to your morning routine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other type of fish instead of tinapa?
    Yes, you can use other types of smoked fish such as bangus (milkfish) or tuyo (dried fish) as a substitute.
  2. Can I use any type of rice for this recipe?
    While jasmine rice is commonly used for tinapasilog, you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?
    Absolutely! You can add diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or any other vegetables of your choice to customize the fried rice.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar in the dip?
    Yes, you can adjust the vinegar and sugar to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add more vinegar for a tangier dip or more sugar for a sweeter flavor.
  5. Can I use a different cooking oil instead of vegetable oil?
    Yes, you can use other cooking oils like canola oil, sunflower oil, or even olive oil if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A pan is needed to sauté the garlic, onions, tomatoes, and smoked fish.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the vinegar and sugar for the dip.
  • Frying Pan - A frying pan is required to fry the eggs.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle and blanch the bok choy or morning glory.

Origin stories

Tinapasilog is a beloved street food that hails from the bustling cities of the Philippines. Tinapa means smoked fish, sinangag stands for garlic fried rice, and itlog is the local term for egg. Together, they form Tinapasilog, a hearty meal that has been embraced by Filipinos as a comforting breakfast staple. The dish's humble origins in street side stalls is a testament to the country's rich culinary tradition, which is known for transforming simple, everyday ingredients into flavorful and satisfying meals. As you bite into Tinapasilog, you're not just enjoying a delicious dish, you're partaking in a culinary legacy that's as vibrant and diverse as the country it comes from.

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.