Corned Beef Silog — there’s something magical about waking up to the smell of garlic sizzling in oil. It’s a scent that instantly feels like home for many Filipinos. And when that aroma is coming from the kitchen, you know a comforting meal is on the way. This classic Filipino breakfast, made with savory corned beef, garlicky fried rice, and a perfectly cooked egg, is hearty, satisfying, and super easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or serving it to loved ones, Corned Beef Silog always hits the spot.
Corned Beef Silog is a part of our daily food culture. The name “silog” comes from combining sinangag (garlic fried rice) and log (itlog or egg). When we add a specific protein like tapa, tocino, or in this case, corned beef — it becomes Corned Beef Silog. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy mornings when you need a good meal to kick off your day.
🍳 What Is Corned Beef Silog?
At its core, Corned Beef Silog is made up of three simple things: sautéed corned beef (usually canned), garlic fried rice (made best with day-old rice), and a sunny-side-up egg. You’ll find this dish served everywhere — from local carinderias to fancy hotel buffets. Why? Because it’s fast, affordable, and hits the spot every single time.
Growing up, this was my go-to breakfast. You could make it half-asleep and still end up with something delicious. It’s also a lifesaver when there’s leftover rice in the fridge and a can of corned beef in the pantry.
Corned Beef Silog
Ingredients
Method
- Fry the Eggs – Heat a bit of oil in your pan and cook the eggs sunny-side-up. Set aside once the edges are crispy but the yolk is still soft.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion – In the same pan, add crushed garlic and cook until golden. Toss in the onion and let it soften until translucent.
- Cook the Corned Beef – Add the canned corned beef and stir. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to soak up the garlic-onion flavor.
- Simmer with Broth – Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. This gives your corned beef a juicy texture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble Your Plate – Scoop some garlic fried rice, place the fried egg on top, and add a generous serving of your corned beef. That’s one hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Easy Tips to Make the Perfect Corned Beef Silog
Corned beef silog is a classic Filipino comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, especially for breakfast or brunch. If you want to level up your version of this delicious silog combo, here are some helpful tips that can make a big difference in taste and texture. Let’s get cooking!
🍚 1. Use Leftover or Day-Old Rice for the Garlic Fried Rice
When it comes to making the best sinangag (garlic fried rice), day-old rice is your best friend. Why? Because it’s drier and a little firmer than freshly cooked rice, which means it won’t clump together or get mushy in the pan. This helps the garlic rice fry up beautifully, with a slight crisp on the outside and that toasty garlic flavor throughout.
But if you only have freshly cooked rice, no worries — you can still make it work. Just spread the rice on a plate or tray and let it cool for a bit to release some of the moisture. Avoid using the sticky kind like jasmine or glutinous rice, though, since it’s harder to stir-fry properly.
🧄 2. Don’t Rush the Garlic — Low and Slow is Key
The star of any good sinangag is the garlic. It’s tempting to crank up the heat to get things moving quickly, but resist that urge! Sauté the garlic on medium or low heat and let it slowly turn golden brown. This brings out the rich, slightly sweet flavor of the garlic without burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the whole dish. Be patient — it’s worth it!
🥩 3. Add a Splash of Broth for Juicy, Flavorful Corned Beef
Canned corned beef is already tasty on its own, but adding just a little bit of beef broth (or even water with a bouillon cube) can transform it. Pour a few tablespoons into the pan while cooking the corned beef to keep it moist and juicy. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces — this concentrates the flavor and gives the beef a saucy finish that goes perfectly with the rice and egg.
🍳 4. Cook Your Egg the Way You Like It
Silog wouldn’t be silog without the “log” — the egg! Most people go with a sunny-side-up egg for that runny yolk goodness, but don’t feel limited to that. Prefer your egg scrambled, over-easy, or even poached? Go for it! This dish is all about comfort, so make it your own.
🧅 5. Add Extras for More Flavor and Fun
Want to make your corned beef even more exciting? Toss in some chopped potatoes for added texture and heartiness. Sautéed onions, garlic chives, or green onions can also bring a pop of flavor and color. Feeling adventurous? Add some siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili) for a spicy kick!
Final Thoughts
Corned beef silog is one of those simple dishes that hits the spot every time — and with a few small tweaks, you can turn it into something truly special. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, these tips will help you cook a version that’s full of flavor, texture, and love. ❤️
🥢 What to Serve with Corned Beef Silog
Corned beef silog is already a satisfying meal on its own — garlicky rice, savory beef, and a perfectly cooked egg. But if you’re looking to add a little more variety or want to turn your plate into a full-on Filipino breakfast feast, here are some simple and delicious sides that go perfectly with corned beef silog. These tasty add-ons bring extra flavor, texture, and that special Filipino home-cooked vibe.
🍅 Chopped Tomato & Onion with Bagoong Isda
This side dish is a total flavor bomb! The fresh tomatoes and onions bring a crisp, zesty bite, while the bagoong isda (fermented fish sauce) adds a salty, umami punch that cuts through the richness of the corned beef. It’s bold, simple, and totally addicting.
🥖 Pandesal
Pandesal is a Filipino breakfast favorite for a reason. Soft, warm, and just a bit sweet, this bread is perfect for mopping up those runny egg yolks or soaking up the juices from your corned beef. It’s great for balancing out the savory parts of the silog and gives the meal a cozy, bakery-fresh touch.
🍫 Champorado
Yes — champorado with silog! This sweet, chocolatey rice porridge made with tablea (pure cacao tablets) might seem like an unusual combo, but trust us — the sweet-savory contrast totally works. The warm, comforting flavor of champorado complements the bold, salty notes of the silog beautifully.
🥒 Atchara
Need something tangy to freshen up your plate? Atchara — pickled green papaya — is sweet, sour, and just a little crunchy. It cleanses the palate and brings balance to the meal, especially if you’ve added some spicy or greasy extras. It’s like a mini refresh button between bites!
🍆 Tortang Talong
Want to sneak in a veggie? Tortang talong (eggplant omelet) is smoky, savory, and eggy — everything you want in a comforting Filipino dish. It pairs perfectly with the silog trio and adds a soft texture and rich flavor that rounds out the plate.
🍽️ Make It a Meal to Remember
Corned beef silog is delicious on its own, but with just one or two of these side dishes, it turns into a true Filipino breakfast spread. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with family, adding a little variety can make breakfast feel extra special.
Looking for more breakfast ideas? Check out our full list of Filipino breakfast recipes — from sweet to savory, budget-friendly to indulgent. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Start your day right with food that warms your heart and fills your belly. ❤️
