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Authentic Filipino Beef Tapa

Authentic Filipino Beef Tapa: A Flavorful Breakfast Adventure

Authentic Filipino Beef Tapa is a beloved breakfast staple that captures the heart of Filipino cuisine with savory bites and fragrant garlic rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds Beef sirloin or flank Thinly sliced against the grain
  • 6 cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 6 tablespoons Soy sauce Gluten-free option if needed
  • 3 tablespoons Calamansi juice Or lemon juice as an alternative
  • 1.5 tablespoons Brown sugar Enhances caramelization
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar Optional, cane or white vinegar recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce Optional for additional umami flavor
Cooking
  • 2-3 tablespoons Neutral oil Like canola or vegetable
  • 2-3 tablespoons Water As needed for loosening marinade
Serving
  • as needed Garlic fried rice Classic side dish
  • as needed Fried egg Sunny-side-up
  • as needed Atchara Pickled papaya (optional)
  • as needed Calamansi or lemon wedges For serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the beef sirloin or flank dry with paper towels and slice thinly against the grain into 1/8-inch pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and optional vinegar/oyster sauce. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add neutral oil. Sear the marinated beef in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. Monitor the skillet; add water if the marinade gets too thick, stirring gently to coat the beef.
  6. Transfer cooked beef to a serving platter and serve hot with garlic fried rice, a fried egg, and garnished with calamansi or lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow marination overnight for best flavor. Always slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.

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