adobo recipe

Adobo Recipe

This classic adobo recipe is a Filipino favorite made with tender meat slowly simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns until rich, flavorful, and perfectly juicy. While both chicken and pork versions are popular, this traditional recipe uses pork belly for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory sauce that’s perfect over steamed rice. If you’re looking for an authentic Filipino adobo recipe, an easy pork adobo recipe, or a step-by-step guide, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Discover more flavorful recipes like Adobo Recipe right here.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork belly, cut into serving pieces
  • 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 5 dried bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt, to taste

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, soy sauce, and crushed garlic.
  • Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate for 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the remaining marinade.
  • Sear the pork pieces for several minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
  • Pour the reserved marinade into the pot.
  • Add the water, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the pork becomes fork-tender.
  • Pour in the vinegar without stirring.
  • Let the mixture boil for a minute before stirring to allow the vinegar flavor to mellow.
  • Continue simmering uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
  • Taste and season with salt if needed.
  • Serve hot with steamed white rice.

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings