Juicy Pork Tapang Taal—Bold, Garlicky, Budget-Wise

What is Tapang Taal?

Tapang Taal is a beloved Batangueño dish made of thinly sliced pork marinated in a bold mix of soy sauce, calamansi juice, Worcestershire sauce, and loads of garlic. Unlike the sweeter pork tapa versions from other regions, this one leans more savoury and peppery—perfect with garlic fried rice and atchara.

Why You’ll Love This

• No sugar overload—just well-balanced, meaty umami.
• Budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Great for meal prep and perfect in a classic silog plate.
• Batangas-authentic vibes in every bite.

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🛒 Ingredients

• Pork – use thinly sliced pork steak or kasim for best results.
• Soy sauce & Worcestershire sauce – for that deep savoury base.
• Minced garlic – lots of it, for maximum flavour.
• Calamansi juice – brightens up the richness.
• Brown sugar – just a touch to balance the saltiness.
• Black pepper & salt – to season and enhance.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, calamansi juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Add the pork slices and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.

2. Fry Until Juicy & Browned

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and fry until browned and cooked through—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let the edges crisp up a little for extra texture.

3. Serve & Enjoy

Serve with garlic fried rice and sunny-side-up eggs for a classic tapang baboy silog combo. Add pickled papaya (atchara) or a vinegar dipping sauce if you like it tangy.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Marinate overnight for deeper flavour.
• If calamansi isn’t available, substitute with lime or lemon.
• Best paired with sinangag and atchara for a full Batangueño breakfast.

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🧂 Storage

You can store uncooked marinated pork in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Cooked tapa keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

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❤️ Comments from the Community

"Correct po Chef RV, tapang taal is one of the best! Taga-Taal po ako."
— Emmanuel Onal

"Same with me Chef! Mas gusto ko Garlicky and Peppery na Tapa!"
— @keyblade5916

"Sarapppp, with atsara sana 😊😊😁😁"
— @jerraalarcon5204

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❓ FAQ

Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes! But then it would be the traditional tapa. This version is distinctively Batangas-style because it's made with pork.

Is Worcestershire sauce required?
It adds umami depth, but you can omit it if unavailable. The dish still tastes great with just soy and calamansi.