Traditional Filipino Beef Tapa: A Taste of the Philippines
If you’re in the mood to transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Manila, look no further than this classic Filipino Beef Tapa recipe. Tapa refers to cured or marinated meat, which can be anything from beef to fish. However, beef is a crowd favorite, and this recipe highlights its savory goodness, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch treat that’s commonly served as part of “Tapsilog”—a portmanteau for tapa, sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (fried egg).
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, for frying
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the beef across the grain. This is crucial as it affects the tenderness of the meat.
- Marinate: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Fry the Beef: When ready to cook, remove the beef from the refrigerator and squeeze out as much marinade as possible to ensure proper caramelization during frying. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Fry the beef slices in single layers to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the meat is browned and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Traditional Filipino Beef Tapa is best served with a plate of fragrant fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg, creating the beloved Tapsilog. Enjoy this hearty meal during breakfast or any part of the day when you need a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 16 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This beef tapa recipe is not just a meal; it’s a cultural journey. Enjoy the robust flavors and remember that the key to perfect tapa lies in the marination. The longer you let the beef marinate, the deeper the flavors and the more tender the meat. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or have been enjoying these flavors all your life, this dish is sure to delight. Happy cooking!
Traditional Filipino Beef Tapa
- Total Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Filipino Beef Tapa is a beloved traditional dish characterized by its tangy and savory flavors that captivate the palate. This dish, commonly enjoyed as part of the Filipino breakfast trio known as tapsilog, combines the rich taste of marinated beef with the simplicity of fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg, offering a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and energizing.
The allure of Beef Tapa lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its preparation and presentation. The marinating process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a delectable experience with each bite. Ideal for any meal of the day, this dish can be served in a variety of ways, catering to both traditional and modern tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, making Beef Tapa is an enjoyable way to explore Filipino cuisine.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cooking oil, for frying
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Directions:
Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the meat across the grain.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours.
Before frying, squeeze out as much marinade from the beef as possible.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add cooking oil, and fry the beef in single layers to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and slightly caramelized.
Serve with fried rice and a fried egg, commonly known as tapsilog.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal