Are you a fan of the classic Filipino breakfast combo, tapsilog? If so, you’re in luck because we’ve got 20 delicious and unique takes on this beloved dish to share with you. For those who may be new to tapsilog, it typically consists of fried tapa (cured beef), garlic fried rice, and a fried egg. But why settle for just one way to make this morning staple when you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors? From spicy chicken to grilled squid, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite tapsilog recipes that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and bold, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get cracking on these tasty tapsilog variations, and start your day off right!
Classic Beef Tapsilog with Garlic Fried Rice
A popular Filipino comfort food, beef tapsilog is a hearty dish made with marinated beef strips, fried rice, and a fried egg. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and savory beef in a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate beef strips in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and cook marinated beef until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Cook garlic fried rice by heating oil in a wok or large skillet, then adding cooked rice and stirring constantly until crispy and golden.
4. Fry eggs in the same pan used for the beef, or in a separate pan with oil.
5. Assemble tapsilog by placing cooked beef on top of garlic fried rice, followed by a fried egg.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Chicken Tapsilog with Vinegar Dip
This spicy chicken tapsilog recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic Filipino dish, featuring crispy fried chicken pieces served with steamed tapia (rice) and a tangy vinegar dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup cooked tapia (rice)
– Vinegar Dip ingredients: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat with flour mixture again.
4. Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve fried chicken on top of steamed tapia (rice).
6. Mix Vinegar Dip ingredients together and serve on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Tapsilog
Elevate your tapas game with this flavorful Filipino-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp, savory garlic butter, and a hint of sweetness. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Tapsilog recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Cooked rice (preferably Japanese-style short-grain rice)
– Fried eggs or steamed bok choy for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the shrimp and cook for an additional minute.
4. Serve with cooked rice, fried eggs or steamed bok choy (if using). Garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pork Belly Tapsilog with Crispy Skin
A classic Filipino dish gets a delicious twist with this recipe for Pork Belly Tapsilog with Crispy Skin. Tender pork belly, savory sautéed vegetables, and crispy skin come together to create a hearty meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, tomatoes)
– Cooking oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Score the pork belly skin in a crisscross pattern.
3. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. Add the pork belly and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Pan-fry the pork belly in oil until the skin is crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Finish cooking the pork in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
6. Sauté the mixed vegetables with a bit of oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the pork belly tapsilog with the crispy skin on top and sautéed vegetables on the side.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Vegetarian Tofu Tapsilog with Soy Sauce Glaze
Transform the popular Filipino dish, tapsilog, into a vegetarian delight by substituting the traditional pork with crispy tofu and adding a sweet soy sauce glaze. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 cups of cooked rice
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup of sliced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the tofu until crispy and golden brown.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
4. Serve the cooked tofu over the rice, topped with chopped scallions, sliced tomatoes, and drizzle with soy sauce glaze.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fish Tapsilog
Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and sour flavors with this twist on the classic Filipino dish, Tapsilog! This recipe combines the tender fish, tangy sauce, and savory garlic rice for a meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fillet ( tilapia or catfish work well)
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the fish fillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve the fish on top of the garlic rice, spooning some of the sweet and sour sauce over it.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef Tapa with Pineapple Salsa Tapsilog
A flavorful twist on the classic Filipino dish, Beef Tapa with Pineapple Salsa Tapasilog combines tender beef strips, savory tapa sauce, and a tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (e.g. ribeye or sirloin)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine beef strips, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill beef for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve grilled beef with tapa sauce (made by reducing the marinade liquid on low heat) and pineapple salsa.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crispy Adobo Flakes Tapsilog
Elevate your tapsilog game with this crispy adobo flakes version! This recipe adds a satisfying crunch to the traditional Filipino dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked tapa (cured beef)
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1/4 cup crispy adobo flakes (see note)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the tapa according to package instructions.
2. Prepare the crispy adobo flakes by deep-frying 1/4 cup of adobo seasoning in 1/2 inch of oil until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well.
4. Add cooked tapa and vinegar to the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with crispy adobo flakes and serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– 10-15 minutes (including cooking time for tapa)
Cheesy Eggplant Tapsilog
Transform ordinary tapsilog into a flavorful Filipino dish with the addition of roasted eggplant and melted cheese! This creamy twist on the classic tapa will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of pork and beans
– 1 cup of cooked rice
– 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and fried eggs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Cook the pork and beans according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the tapsilog by placing a scoop of cooked rice on a plate, topping it with roasted eggplant slices, and spooning the pork and beans over the top.
6. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the dish and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Squid Tapsilog with Calamansi Dip
Savor the tender sweetness of grilled squid paired with a zesty calamansi dip, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid rings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with a mixture of lemon and lime juice)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add squid rings and toss to coat.
3. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side or until tender and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in calamansi juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve grilled squid with Calamansi Dip on the side.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Pork Tapsilog with Atchara
Elevate your tapsillog game with this unique fusion recipe that combines the classic Filipino dish with sweet and tangy atchara (pickled papaya) and a hint of smoky BBQ flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 cup atchara (pickled papaya), diced
– 2 cups cooked rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the pork strips in a mixture of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the marinated pork until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
4. Serve the grilled pork on top of the cooked rice, garnished with diced atchara.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Mushroom Tapsilog
A twist on the classic Filipino breakfast dish, this Garlic Mushroom Tapsilog combines savory garlic and mushrooms with the richness of tapa (cured beef). Perfect for a hearty morning meal or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked tapa, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or sinangag (fried rice) for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add tapa strips and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice or sinangag.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Longganisa Tapsilog
This recipe brings together the savory flavors of longganisa and tapa, with a kick of spice to make it a standout dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this Spicy Longganisa Tapsilog is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound longganisa, sliced
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably leftover)
– 1/4 cup chopped tapa ( Filipino-style fried rice patties)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced longganisa and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked rice and chopped tapa. Stir-fry until well combined.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Beef Tapa with Kimchi Fried Rice Tapsilog
A classic Filipino dish gets a spicy kick with the addition of kimchi to the fried rice. This hearty meal is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup beef tapa (cured beef), sliced
– 2 cups cooked rice, day-old preferred
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef tapa and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Push the onion to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs (if using) and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the onion. Add the kimchi and cooked rice to the pan, stirring-frying for about 2-3 minutes or until the rice is well coated with the kimchi flavor.
6. Return the beef tapa to the pan and stir-fry everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Corned Beef Tapsilog
A classic Filipino dish gets a flavorful twist with the addition of garlic butter and corn. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal or as a main course for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons garlic butter (see note)
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 2 cups cooked rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the beef strips in garlic butter until browned and cooked through.
3. Add corn kernels to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve the beef and corn mixture over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Note: To make garlic butter, mix softened butter with minced garlic (about 1 tablespoon) and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate until firm before using.
Chicken Inasal Tapsilog
This recipe combines the classic Filipino street food, tapsilog (a savory rice and egg breakfast dish), with the popular grilled chicken inasal from the Visayas region. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill the chicken until cooked through.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
4. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
5. Assemble the tapsilog by placing a scoop of rice on a plate, topping with grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, green onions, and diced tomatoes.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Beef Tapa with Mango Salsa Tapsilog
Experience the sweet and savory fusion of Filipino flavors with this Beef Tapa with Mango Salsa Tapsilog recipe. Thinly sliced beef, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, is served with a sweet and tangy mango salsa and steamed rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt to taste
– Steamed rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Marinate the beef strips in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and brown sugar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the marinated beef until cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, combine diced mango, chopped jalapeño, and salt to taste.
4. Serve the grilled beef with steamed rice and a spoonful of mango salsa.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crispy Pata Tapsilog
A Filipino-inspired dish that combines the crispy skin of pork belly with savory rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. carrots, peas, corn)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season pork belly with salt and pepper.
3. Pan-fry the pork belly until crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in vegetable oil until softened.
6. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
7. Serve pork belly on top of cooked rice and mixed vegetables.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Grilled Bangus Tapsilog with Tomato Onion Relish
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of grilled fish paired with a tangy tomato onion relish. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 Bangus fillets (or any other white fish)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together onion, tomato, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Serve with Tomato Onion Relish spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef Tapa with Garlic Spinach Fried Rice Tapsilog
Savor a flavorful and savory twist on the classic Filipino dish, Beef Tapa, paired with aromatic garlic spinach fried rice.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Tapa:
– 1/2 pound beef striploin or ribeye, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Spinach Fried Rice:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate beef strips in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, water, sugar, black pepper, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook beef strips until browned, then set aside.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add cooked rice to the wok, stirring constantly to separate grains. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to start your day with these delicious Tapsilog recipes! This classic Filipino breakfast dish gets a modern twist with 20 unique and mouth-watering variations. From classic Beef Tapsilog with Garlic Fried Rice, to Spicy Chicken Tapsilog with Vinegar Dip, and even Vegetarian Tofu Tapsilog with Soy Sauce Glaze – there’s something for everyone. Discover how you can elevate this breakfast staple with bold flavors and creative twists. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or veggies, these recipes are sure to satisfy your morning cravings.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
