Pork Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. Made by simmering pork in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, this comforting dish is perfect with steamed rice. Its rich and deep flavors develop beautifully over time, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly (or shoulder), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns (or ground black pepper)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter taste)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1-2 potatoes, cubed (optional)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the pork:
In a large bowl, combine the pork cubes with soy sauce, half of the minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. - Brown the pork:
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated pork and sear until the pieces are browned on all sides. Set the browned pork aside. - Sauté garlic and onion:
In the same pot, add the remaining garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. - Simmer the adobo:
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the vinegar, water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and sugar. Bring to a boil without stirring, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the pork is tender. - Add optional ingredients:
If you’re adding oyster sauce, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a heartier meal, add cubed potatoes and cook until they are soft. - Reduce the sauce:
Once the pork is tender, uncover the pot and increase the heat slightly to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency. - Serve:
Serve the Pork Adobo over steamed white rice, with the rich sauce spooned generously on top.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Filipino dish!