If Americans consider the bacon-and-egg combo as their all-time breakfast staple, for Filipinos, the classic beef tapa or tapsilog reigns supreme. Traditionally served with steaming hot rice and a fried egg, this thinly sliced protein bursts in flavor at the first bite.
Other proteins like pork, chicken, fish, wild boar, horse, and deer can also be cured to produce this Pinoy-style jerky. The choice is up to you. What is great about tapa is its versatility. Aside from serving it over steaming rice, this much-loved silog meal can be reinvented many times, over. Here are 6 beef tapa recipes you can serve to please the modern palate.
Rice Topping
Looking for a simple and low-cost menu inspiration? Top marinated beef over a bowl of rice for a satisfying Asian fusion dish. Rather than the typical salt and pepper seasoning, switch this up by going for a Mongolian garlicky-sweet beef tapa marinade that diners will deeply appreciate. Add Knorr Oyster Flavoured Sauce to give the dish a sweet & salty balance Consider a side dish of stir-fried veggies like spinach or broccoli to add variety and color to the dish.
Beef Tapa Rolls
Go Japanese style by using beef tapa in your next maki roll. If you are in search of a pastry route, try making bite-sized snacks similar to sausage rolls. Fill pastry sheets with tapa, add chewy cheese, then bake to perfection. If you’re inspired to make a healthier merienda menu, opt for some leafy greens as your wrapper for a hearty snack.
Tapa Burrito
You’ve heard of pulled pork tacos, so why not tapa burrito? Make an ultra-filling snack by stuffing shredded tapa flakes into pita wraps, soft tortilla or lumpia wrappers. Include beans, salsa, and sour cream for that mouth-watering Fil-Mex fusion.
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Appetiser
Spring rolls have always been a regular in many Pinoy feasts. Whether served fresh or deep fried, this appetizer is a must-have. For an attention-grabber hors d'oeuvre, stuff the rolls with beef tapa flavored with Knorr Liquid Seasoning to give it that rich, smoky flavor profile. And just like its breakfast version, these rolls will taste just as great when dipped into some vinegar sauce.
Korean Grilled Beef
All over the Philippines, the Korean dish that is samgyeopsal has developed a following. Though pork belly is the standard choice cut, nothing should stop you from using thinly cut pieces of beef tapa, better yet use a Korean Beef Bulgogi marinade to give the meat a unique umami kick. Don’t forget to have ssamjang paste on hand, as well as an assortment of complimentary sides like lettuce, kimchi, peanuts, marble potatoes, and spicy anchovies.
Pasta
A beef tapa recipe combined with a pasta dish may appear a little peculiar. However, fusing together beef that is nice and tender along with pasta noodles can create a symphony of flavors that will have diners coming back for more. Whether it’s in pasta that is smothered in oil, cream, or tomato-based, this modern take on beef tapa is something worth trying.
Tapa recipes differ slightly, but the main components (protein, soy sauce, pepper and garlic) remain the same. Creating your own twist on traditional beef tapa by adding Knorr Aromat or Knorr Beef Powder to the marinade should never be viewed negatively. Instead, it should be thought of as a celebration of its robust origins. Take the leap and try out these inventive modern tapa recipes and see how your diners like them.
