Go Back
Classic Filipino breakfast plate with tapsilog, champorado, and a cup of Kapeng Barako.

Classic Tapsilog (Filipino Beef Tapa with Garlic Rice and Fried Egg)

Tapsilog is a beloved Filipino breakfast dish consisting of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg). The combination of savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a perfect morning meal. Serve with a side of atchara (pickled papaya) or vinegar for a traditional touch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 2
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • To prepare Tapsilog, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
  • Mixing bowl – For marinating the tapa (beef).
  • Cutting board & knife – To slice the beef into thin pieces.
  • Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
  • Non-stick frying pan or skillet – For cooking the tapa and frying the eggs.
  • Spatula – For stirring the garlic rice and flipping the beef.
  • Rice cooker or pot – To cook fresh rice if you don’t have day-old rice.
  • Serving plates – For plating the meal attractively.
  • SEO Keywords for Tapsilog Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • For the Tapa Cured Beef:
  • ½ kg beef sirloin thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • For Sinangag Garlic Fried Rice:
  • 3 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For Itlog Fried Egg:
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Tapa – In a bowl, mix soy sauce, calamansi juice, sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Cook the Tapa – Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the beef for 3-5 minutes per side, or until caramelized. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Garlic Rice – In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and sauté garlic until golden brown. Add cooked rice and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Season with salt.
  • Fry the Eggs – In another pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and fry eggs sunny-side-up (or as preferred). Sprinkle with salt.
  • Assemble and Serve – Plate the garlic rice, tapa, and fried egg together. Serve with atchara or spiced vinegar on the side.

Notes

For a healthier option, use lean beef, reduce the sugar, and serve with brown rice instead of white.
If you prefer a sweeter tapa, add an extra ½ tbsp of sugar.
Store leftover tapa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Keyword Beef tapa recipe, Filipino breakfast, How to make Tapsilog, Tapsilog recipe