Beef Tapa Recipe (Classic Filipino Tapsilog)
Beef Tapa is a popular Filipino breakfast dish made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce. It is commonly served as Tapsilog — a combination of Tapa, Sinangag (garlic fried rice), and Itlog (fried egg).
Ingredients:
- 1 kilo beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced beef and mix well. Make sure all pieces are coated with marinade.
- Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Drain excess marinade and fry the beef slices until cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Cook until edges become slightly crispy but not dry.
- Serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
- Freeze the beef slightly before slicing for thinner cuts.
- Add a little water while frying if the beef starts to burn before tenderizing.
- Adjust sugar depending on your preferred sweetness.
How to Serve (Tapsilog Style):
- Serve with garlic fried rice (sinangag).
- Add a sunny-side-up or scrambled egg.
- Pair with sliced tomatoes or atchara (pickled papaya).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Beef Tapa is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Its sweet and savory taste makes it one of the most loved Filipino comfort foods.
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed with garlic rice, fried egg, and hot coffee.