Low Sodium Beef Tapa

Indulge guilt-free in the bold flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine with this Low Sodium Beef Tapa recipe—a healthier twist on the beloved classic! Made with tender slices of beef sirloin or tenderloin, this dish swaps out high-sodium soy sauce for naturally low-sodium coconut aminos, ensuring every bite is savory yet heart-friendly. Marinated to perfection in a blend of tangy white vinegar, citrusy calamansi or lemon juice, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic, the beef is pan-fried to a beautiful caramelization that highlights its rich, umami flavors. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a comforting dinner. Serve it hot with garlicky fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg for a complete, authentically Filipino meal bursting with flavor—without the extra salt.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 60 ml coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon calamansi or lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a bowl, combine coconut aminos, vinegar, brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and calamansi or lemon juice. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 2

Add the sliced beef to the marinade and massage the mixture into the meat thoroughly to ensure it is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Step 3

Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and lightly caramelized.

Step 5

Repeat with the remaining beef. Serve hot with garlic fried rice and an egg cooked to your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(665.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1494.3

Total Fat 93.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 1362.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.0g
Protein 116.1g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 107.1mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 1711.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.9%

Protein: 32.1%

Carbs: 10.1%