Homemade Tapsi: A Filipino Comfort Food Classic

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Sirloin beef, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 large Onion, sliced
  • 2 cups Cooked jasmine rice
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 bunch Green onions, chopped for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Marinate the beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until they become soft and aromatic.
  3. Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook until browned.
  4. In another pan, cook the eggs. Melt the butter over medium heat and then add the eggs. Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Set aside.
  5. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.
  6. Season the beef and rice mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Divide the rice and beef mixture into four portions. Top each portion with a cooked egg.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for sautéing the garlic, onion, and cooking the beef.
  • Another pan - A separate pan for cooking the eggs.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the sirloin beef into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board for preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Tongs - Tongs for flipping and turning the beef while cooking.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and mixing the beef and rice.
  • Medium bowl - A bowl for marinating the beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork to beat the eggs before cooking.
  • Plate or bowl - A plate or bowl for serving the Tapsi.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Tapsi: Substitute the beef with boneless chicken breast or thighs.
  • Vegetarian Tapsi: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh.
  • Seafood Tapsi: Use shrimp, squid, or fish fillets instead of beef.
  • Spicy Tapsi: Add chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to give the dish a spicy kick.
  • Vegetable Tapsi: Include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
  • Teriyaki Tapsi: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • Healthy Tapsi: Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a healthier option.
  • Garlic Tapsi: Increase the amount of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Smoky Tapsi: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or use smoked tofu or smoked chicken.
  • Cheesy Tapsi: Top the dish with grated cheese and broil it until melted and bubbly.

Recipe overview

Tapsi is a delightful twist on the Filipino classic, Tapsilog. Tapsi, which stands for tapa (beef), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg), is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any time of the day. In this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare the marinated beef with a savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. The beef is then stir-fried with garlic, onions, and cooked jasmine rice. A fried egg with a runny yolk is placed on top for added richness, and the dish is garnished with chopped green onions for a touch of freshness. This recipe is quite simple to make, but the taste is anything but - expect a perfectly balanced mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors with every bite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
    Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as tenderloin or strip steak. However, sirloin beef is recommended for its tenderness and flavor.
  2. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
    Certainly! You can substitute jasmine rice with any other type of rice, including brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice variety you choose.
  3. Is it necessary to marinate the beef?
    Marinating the beef adds flavor and helps to tenderize it. It is recommended to marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it longer if desired.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Tapsi by omitting the beef and adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas instead.
  5. Can I adjust the amount of soy sauce?
    Certainly! Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and add more if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Serving plates - for serving individual portions of Tapsi.
  • Large frying pan - for cooking the beef and rice mixture.
  • Small pan - for cooking the eggs.
  • Spatula - for stirring and flipping the beef and rice mixture.
  • Chef's knife - for slicing the beef and chopping the garlic and onion.
  • Cutting board - for safely chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
  • Whisk - for whisking the marinade ingredients together.
  • Tongs - for flipping and serving the beef.
  • Serving spoon - for portioning the beef and rice mixture onto plates.

Origin stories

Tapsi, also known as Tapsilog, is a beloved dish in the Philippines, commonly enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or an after-party remedy. The name is an abbreviation derived from its components: TAPa (cured beef), SInangag (garlic fried rice), and ItLOG (egg). It was invented in the late 1980s by the owners of Tapsi ni Vivian, a popular food joint in Marikina, a city in Metro Manila. They wanted to create a quick and filling meal that's perfect at any time of the day, and thus, Tapsilog was born. Today, there are countless variations of this iconic meal, combining different meats, rice, and eggs, each with its own playful name, reflecting the Filipinos' creativity and love for good food.

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.