Beef tapa is a type of cured meat of thin slices of tender beef. A popular breakfast that is usually served with a sunny-side up egg and fried rice. This trio is then known as 'Tapsilog', that is short for Tapa, Sinangag (fried rice), Itlog (egg).
It is not hard to make and ingredients are rather simple. You can do it in advance and store in the fridge for next day breakfast or make more and freeze them after curing so you can enjoy them for some days or weeks to come. I would suggest making several packs so you only thaw and cook what you need.
The tender cut of beef, like sirloin, is usually used to make Beef Tapa as it involved frying. However, sometimes, you cannot be so sure how tender the meat you get until you cook it. I read somewhere that adding a bit of baking soda to the meat will make it more tender. But just to make sure, I also pound my meat and it really helps.
You may also just marinade it for at least 6 hours but I find that curing it overnight brings out a certain tanginess that is usually associated with tapa. And that is exactly how I prefer it, tangy with some hint of sweetness. Serve it with spicy vinegar and I am sure nothing wakes up the senses better than this!
Printable Recipe
Beef Tapa Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pounds beef sirloin - cut into thin slices
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice or calamansi juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic - finely minced
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
- oil - for frying
Instructions
- Using a mallet or any blunt object, pound each cut of meat until meat is flattened to about a quarter inch thick.
- Place the beef into a bowl and sprinkle with the baking soda. Mix until well blended.
- Add lemon juice and mix again several times. Then add the rest of the ingredients.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate beef in the fridge overnight.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or skillet. Fry each side of the meat for 3-5 minutes or until browned and the liquids are absorbed. Add more oil as needed.
- Serve with sunny-side-up egg and garlic fried rice while still hot.
Sarah says
I made this and it was a success! I even fried the rice from the wok where I cooked the tapa. We all love it! This has been my comfort food even when I was still in the Philippines. Thank you for always sharing an easy-to-follow recipe. Cheers! =)
Bebs says
You are welcome, Sarah, I am just glad that you enjoyed it and I thank you for the 5 stars.
Mika says
I just wanted to say how incredibly impressed I am with your recipes. Every dish I’ve tried—beef steak, adobo, tapa, tocino and several others—has turned out exactly how it should taste. They’re easy to follow, spot on, and absolutely delicious.
I moved to the U.S. when I was 15, so I know what real Filipino food is supposed to taste like. Now I live in a small town in Germany with about 6,000 people. In the 8 years I’ve been here, I’ve seen maybe one other Asian—and there are no Filipino stores or restaurants in sight. Your website has truly been a godsend.
Thank you for sharing your recipes and helping bring a little bit of home into my kitchen. You've made such a difference. 💛
Bebs says
Hi Mika, I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the recipes you've tried! I totally understand what you mean about the sparse Asian population, specially in smaller towns and how hard it can be to find Asian—especially Filipino—ingredients. I used to hoard months-worth of supplies when I am at an Asian store as it is some kilometers away from our place. But I see more Asian food stuff now in the big groceries but I know it is not the same as an Asian store so I hope you find one near you though.
Aileen Röckelein says
Sorry, corned beef Pala.
Aileen Röckelein says
Hi Bebs,
If you were to buy the sirloin in Germany, you'd buy Roast beef, right? Or you'd recommend another?
Thanks
Bebs says
Yes, it is the Lendenstück or also roast beef, if you want the tenderloin, it is the Filet.
Shellly says
Can I put the marinated beef in a freezer bag and freeze? Or do I have to cook the next day? Thanks
Bebs says
Yes, you can freeze the marinated meat.
Jaylord mendoza says
Can i use this in pork?
Bebs says
Sure you may, it will not have the beefy taste but pork tapa is good as well.
Jaylord mendoza says
Thank you! God Bless!
Imee says
Love your recipes.
Thank You.