How to Cook Tapang Taal
Tapang Taal is a flavorful Batangas delicacy made from marinated pork, known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with a tender, juicy texture.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Pork Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: pork tapa, tapa recipe, tapang taal
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 458kcal
Author: Manny
- 1/2 kilo pork tenderloin or pork pigue sliced tapa style
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ground
- 1 Tbsp. calamansi juice
- 2 Tbsp. refined sugar
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup cooking oil for frying
How to Cook Tapang Taal:
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, pepper, sugar, calamansi juice and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and all the marinating ingredients are well combined.
Add in the sliced pork in the marinade and mix while massaging the meat with the marinade. Marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
To cook the tapa, drain the marinade and heat the oil in a pan. Then fry the pork tapa until brown. Serve with fried rice and fried eggs.
Cooking Tips:
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
To get the best taste, let the pork soak in the marinade for at least three hours, but overnight is even better. The longer marination allows the soy sauce, calamansi, and Worcestershire sauce to fully penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender. Massage the marinade into the pork to ensure every piece is well-coated.
Cook Over High Heat for a Perfect Sear
Drain the excess marinade before frying to prevent the pork from steaming instead of searing. Cooking over high heat creates a caramelized crust that enhances the natural sweetness of the pork. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow each piece to develop that signature golden-brown color.
Let the Pork Rest Before Serving
After frying, let the cooked pork rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and preventing it from drying out. Resting also enhances the overall texture, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. 