FILIPINO BEEF TAPA (TAPSILOG)

A classic Filipino breakfast that you can easily try at home! And the best part? Beef Tapa or tapsilog is also excellent for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

For Filipino beef tapa:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• dash salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 pound beef, sirloin
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the dipping sauce:

• 2 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
• fresh chili or chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preparing tapa marinade:

1. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
2. Mix until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Pour the tapa marinade into the beef slices.
4. Arrange the beef to coat each piece evenly with the marinade, then cover with a tight lid and store in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooking Filipino beef tapa:

1. Place the marinated beef in a pan and pour some water on it — just enough liquid to surround the meat.
2. Set the heat to medium-high and bring the beef to a boil, turning it to the other side and letting it boil continuously until the liquid dries up (generally takes 15 minutes).
3. Pour a bit of oil into the pan.
4. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium and continue frying the beef tapa on both sides until they’re cooked.
5. Place them on a serving plate and garnish with some spring onions, if desired.
6. Serve.

Preparing tapsilog:

1. Cook Filipino fried rice (sinangag) and fried egg separately.
2. Place a small amount of fried rice on a plate.
3. Add pieces of beef tapa and fried egg next to the rice.
4. Add some fresh cucumber or tomato slices as well, if desired.
5. For the dipping sauce:  combine vinegar, fish sauce, and some fresh chilis (or chili flakes) in a small bowl.
6. Enjoy your tapsilog!