Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding ingredients for the best sear.

- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding — lowering the temperature makes food greasy.

- Use day-old refrigerated rice for fried rice — fresh rice turns mushy in the pan.

- Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go — it is saltier than regular salt.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile. For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth. Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Pork Tapsilog

Pork Tapsilog

Metro Manila, NCR

Thinly sliced pork loin is marinated in soy sauce and sugar, then pan-fried until caramelized and slightly crisp around the edges, served alongside fragrant garlic fried rice and a sunny-side fried egg for a classic tapsilog breakfast.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Total: 30 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. In a medium resealable bag, combine pork, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and then marinate overnight inside the fridge.
  2. Heat the frying pan and then pour-in the cooking oil.
  3. When the oil becomes hot, fry the marinated pork pieces in low to medium heat until the color turns medium brown. Flip as necessary to cook the opposite side.
  4. Arrange the fried marinated pork, a cup of garlic rice, and a piece of fried egg in individual plates.
  5. Serve with spicy vinegar and ketchup.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding ingredients for the best sear.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding — lowering the temperature makes food greasy.
- Use day-old refrigerated rice for fried rice — fresh rice turns mushy in the pan.
- Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go — it is saltier than regular salt.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture.
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile.
For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth.
Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
R

Tita Liza Reyes

Heirloom Recipes & Modern Adaptations

Tita Liza Reyes is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. A retired school teacher from Batangas with over 30 years of home cooking experience, she helps document and adapt heirloom recipes from across the Philippines for today's kitchen.

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