Beef Tapa Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Classic
Beef Tapa Recipe
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Beef Tapa Recipe
Discover the rich flavors of this beef tapa recipe, a beloved Filipino dish that features tender marinated beef served with garlic rice and a fried egg. Perfect for breakfast or any meal, this recipe brings a taste of the Philippines to your table.
Description
Beef tapa is a traditional Filipino dish that’s known for its savory and slightly sweet flavors. This recipe is a great way to experience a classic that has been enjoyed by many for generations. The marinade, which typically consists of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, infuses the beef with a depth of flavor that makes it incredibly tender and mouthwatering.
This beef tapa recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. You can use different cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, depending on your preference. The marinated beef is usually pan fried until it achieves a beautiful caramelization, resulting in a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Traditionally served with garlic fried rice, known as “sinangag,” and topped with a sunny side up egg, beef tapa makes for a hearty breakfast but can also be enjoyed any time of day. Many Filipino families consider it a staple in their homes, especially during special occasions or weekend breakfasts.
Preparation and Cooking
Preparing beef tapa is straightforward. Start by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips. The marination process is essential as it tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor. Allowing the beef to marinate overnight will yield the best results, but even a few hours can make a significant difference.
Once the beef is marinated, it’s time to cook. A hot skillet or frying pan works best to achieve that desired crispy texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your beef tapa, make sure to accompany it with garlic rice and a fried egg. A side of sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables adds a refreshing touch. You can also drizzle some vinegar dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick.
This beef tapa recipe is perfect for family gatherings, breakfast meals, or even for meal prepping during the week. It’s a dish that showcases the heartiness of Filipino cuisine, making it a favorite for many.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably cane or white vinegar)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cooked garlic rice (for serving)
- Fried eggs (for serving)
- Optional: sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and ensure it’s well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare Garlic Rice: While the beef is marinating, prepare garlic rice by sautéing minced garlic in a bit of oil until golden, then mix in cooked rice and season with salt to taste.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Fry the beef in batches until browned and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Place a serving of garlic rice on each plate, top with beef tapa, and finish with a fried egg. Add sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables as a side if desired.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the flavors of this traditional Filipino dish!
Notes
- For a sweeter version, you can add more sugar to the marinade.
- Adjust the vinegar amount for a tangier taste.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Beef Tapa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar preferably cane or white vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
- Cooked garlic rice for serving
- Fried eggs for serving
- Optional: sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and ensure it’s well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare Garlic Rice: While the beef is marinating, prepare garlic rice by sautéing minced garlic in a bit of oil until golden, then mix in cooked rice and season with salt to taste.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Fry the beef in batches until browned and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Place a serving of garlic rice on each plate, top with beef tapa, and finish with a fried egg. Add sliced tomatoes or pickled vegetables as a side if desired.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the flavors of this traditional Filipino dish!
Notes
- For a sweeter version, you can add more sugar to the marinade.
- Adjust the vinegar amount for a tangier taste.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like chili flakes for a spicy kick.
