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close up of tender caramelized beef tapa slices
Isaac blogger

Savory Beef Tapa

Tender, garlicky Filipino-inspired beef tapa made with thinly sliced marinated beef quickly seared until caramelized and flavorful. Simple, savory, and perfect with rice for any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinate Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Cooking oil, as needed

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients
  3. Prepare Marinade
  4. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  5. Marinate Beef
  6. Add sliced beef and mix until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  7. Heat Pan
  8. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
  9. Sear Beef
  10. Cook beef in batches in a single layer. Allow it to sear briefly before turning.
  11. Finish Cooking
  12. Cook until beef is browned, caramelized, and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or desired doneness.
  13. Serve
  14. Remove from heat and serve warm with rice or preferred sides.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly against the grain for tender texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan so the meat browns evenly instead of steaming.
  • Use moderate heat to prevent garlic or sugars from burning.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store airtight up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water until hot throughout to keep meat tender.