Beef Tapa Recipe

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Today, we’re on a journey to uncover a beautiful, fragrant, and delectably tasty gem from the heart of the Philippines. If I asked you to guess, would you know what it is? This gem is none other than beef tapa, a traditional Filipino delicacy that’s won many a food lover’s hearts and stomachs.

Whether you’re familiar with this delicacy or this is your first time hearing about it, strap yourselves in because we’re going on an unforgettable culinary exploration! In this article, we are not just sharing another recipe. We are sharing an explosion of flavor, a recipe that takes you right to the heart of the myriad flavors of Filipino cuisine.

The joys of Philippine cuisine are many, and one of its stars shines brightly: the savory, tangy, garlicky marvel that is beef tapa! This traditional dish, typically paired with garlic fried rice and fried egg, fondly known as Tapsilog, has become a satisfying meal choice for any time of the day.

How to make Beef Tapa

Beef Tapa is a popular Filipino dish made from thinly sliced beef that is marinated and then pan-fried until tender. The marinade typically includes a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sometimes calamansi (Filipino lime) or vinegar. The beef is allowed to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet taste.

Ingredients

For the beef tapa, you will need:

• 500 grams of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of calamansi juice (or substitute with lemon juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying

For the garlic fried rice (also known as Sinangag):

• 4 cups of cooked rice, preferably refrigerated overnight
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

For the fried egg (traditionally sunny-side-up):

• Eggs (one for each serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions

Making the Beef Tapa:

1. Combine the thinly sliced beef, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, calamansi juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until the beef is well-coated.
2. Marinate the beef for at least 1 hour or best overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to seep into the meat.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef slices and fry until brown and slightly crisp on the edges.

Cooking the Garlic Fried Rice:

1. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and fry until golden brown.
2. Add the rice and stir until the garlic is evenly distributed. Season with salt and stir-fry for around 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frying the Egg:

1. In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Crack an egg into the pan and cook it sunny-side-up style or to your liking—season with salt and pepper.
3. And there you have it: your homemade Tapsilog! Serve the beef tapa, garlic fried rice, and fried egg together and enjoy this Filipino comfort food.

Tips:

• Choice of meat: Use beef sirloin as they are tender and take less time to marinate.
• Marinating time: The longer you marinate, the better the flavour. If you can marinate it overnight, it would yield the best taste.
• Serving suggestion: For an authentic Filipino experience, you can also serve this with a side of pickled Papaya (Atchara) or a tomato-cucumber salad.

What to serve with

Beef tapa is already a rich and flavorful dish, but you can take the dining experience to another level by pairing it with suitable side dishes and condiments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your beef tapa meal:

• Atchara (Pickled Papaya): Atchara is a Filipino pickled condiment made from shredded green (unripe) Papaya, vinegar, sugar, and other ingredients such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers. It adds a tangy and refreshing contrast to the savory beef tapa. Serve it as a side or a palate cleanser between bites to enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A simple tomato and cucumber salad can greatly accompany beef tapa. It provides a light and refreshing contrast, cutting through the rich flavors of the tapa with its freshness. To prepare, slice tomatoes and cucumbers, then season with salt and pepper. You can add some diced onions and drizzle them with vinegar or a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavor.
• Vinegar Dipping Sauce: A vinegar dipping sauce, or “Sawsawan,” complements the beef tapa deliciously. Mix white vinegar (or cane vinegar), chopped garlic, chopped onions, chopped chili pepper (optional), cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. 
• Fried/Grilled Vegetables: Fried or grilled vegetables such as eggplant, okra, or green beans can add a healthy side dish option to your beef tapa meal. 
• Steamed White Rice: If you want a simpler alternative to garlic fried rice, serve the beef tapa alongside freshly steamed white rice. The rice’s mild flavor allows the beef tapa’s strong flavors to shine.
• Philippine Beverages: A Filipino meal isn’t complete without a refreshing cold drink. Pair your beef tapa with a glass of cold calamansi juice, coconut juice, or a tropical fruit smoothie to round off your Filipino dining experience.

Final Thoughts

We explored the specifics of prepping your beef tapa, discussed tips and tricks for cooking it perfectly, and, not forgetting, explored the various side dishes and condiments that can elevate your beef tapa dining experience.

The essence of Filipino cuisine is culminated in this simple yet profound dish, with each element – the tangy and tender beef tapa, the aromatic garlic rice, and the classic sunny-side-up egg – playing an integral part in creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

More Beef Recipes:

• Mechoui Recipe
• Easy Fried Meatballs
• Chunchullo Recipe