Authentic Filipino Pork Adobo Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2 inch cubes
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the pork belly pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onions until they become soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the brown sugar to the skillet and stir until it has completely dissolved.
  5. Return the browned pork belly to the skillet, then add the soy sauce, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the pork is tender.
  7. Check the pot every now and then and stir the mixture to make sure it doesn't burn. You can add more water if necessary.
  8. When the pork is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the adobo to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Best served over steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to brown the pork and sauté the garlic and onions.
  • Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon or spatula is necessary for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is needed for cutting the pork belly into cubes and chopping the onion.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting the ingredients.
  • Garlic Crusher - A garlic crusher or press can be used to crush the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring the vinegar, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Adobo: Substitute the pork with chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks.
  • Beef Adobo: Replace the pork with beef chunks, such as beef stew meat or beef chuck.
  • Vegetarian Adobo: Use tofu or mushrooms as a meat substitute, and increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers or eggplant.
  • Spicy Adobo: Add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Sweet and Sour Adobo: Include pineapple chunks and pineapple juice in the marinade for a tangy twist.
  • Adobo with Coconut Milk: Substitute half of the water with coconut milk to create a creamy and rich adobo sauce.
  • Adobo with Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the adobo during the simmering process for added texture and flavor.
  • Adobo with Peanut Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the adobo sauce to create a nutty and savory variation.
  • Adobo with Fish: Replace the pork with fish fillets, such as tilapia or salmon, for a seafood twist on adobo.

Recipe overview

Pork Adobo is a classic Filipino dish that is rich, tangy, and incredibly flavourful. This recipe combines cubes of pork belly with a marinade of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and onions, which is then simmered until the meat is incredibly tender. The result is an aromatic, savory dish with a delightful tang that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. This recipe takes about 2 hours to prepare and cook, making it an excellent choice for a weekend meal. It's traditionally served over steamed rice, which helps to balance out the rich flavours. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or a longtime fan, this Pork Adobo recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook Pork Adobo?
    The pork adobo needs to simmer for about 1.5 hours on low heat until the pork is tender.
  2. Can I use a different cut of pork?
    Yes, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork loin for this recipe.
  3. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
    Absolutely! You can substitute the pork with chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks to make Chicken Adobo.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of vinegar and soy sauce?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of vinegar and soy sauce to suit your taste. Just remember to maintain the ratio of 1 part vinegar to 1 part soy sauce.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, pork adobo tastes even better when it is allowed to rest for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will deepen and intensify.
  6. How should I store the leftovers?
    Store any leftover adobo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan is needed for browning the pork and simmering the adobo.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is useful for preparing the ingredients, such as chopping the onions and crushing the garlic.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for cutting the pork belly into cubes and chopping the onions.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon or spatula is helpful for stirring the adobo while it simmers.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the vinegar, soy sauce, water, and sugar.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press is convenient for crushing the garlic cloves.
  • Serving Platter - A platter or serving dish is useful for presenting the adobo when serving.
  • Rice Cooker - A rice cooker can be used to prepare steamed rice, which is traditionally served with pork adobo.

Origin stories

Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, has a unique and rich history. The word 'adobo' actually comes from the Spanish word 'adobar', meaning 'marinade', but the dish predates the Spanish arrival in the Philippines in the late 16th Century. Filipino natives were already stewing meat in vinegar, a technique likely developed to preserve food in the country's hot and humid climate. When the Spanish came, they simply identified this familiar culinary technique as 'adobo'. Over the centuries, the recipe has evolved, with soy sauce - a Chinese influence - becoming a common ingredient. Now, adobo is known for its deliciously tangy, salty, and savory flavor, a testament to the Philippines' cultural history and culinary adaptability.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.