How to Cook Pork Adobo (Recipe and Ingredients Guide)

Here's your step-by-step guide on how to cook pork adobo at home.

Pork Adobo is a quintessential Filipino dish that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. This savory and tangy dish features tender chunks of pork simmered in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. While the recipe may vary from region to region and family to family, mastering the basics of cooking Pork Adobo will allow you to create a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to cook Pork Adobo like a pro.

Ingredients

1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar)
1 head of garlic, minced
3-4 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced onions, hard-boiled eggs

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Guide

Marinate the Pork:

In a large bowl, combine the pork pieces, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
Mix well to ensure that the pork is evenly coated in the marinade.
Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Sear the Pork:

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork pieces, reserving the marinade.
Sear the pork until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Simmer the Adobo:

Pour the reserved marinade over the seared pork in the pot.
Add water to the pot until the pork is just covered.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Stir occasionally and skim off any excess fat or foam that rises to the surface.

Adjust Seasoning:

Once the pork is tender, taste the adobo and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
You can also add sliced onions for extra flavor, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the Pork Adobo to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Filipino dish.

For an authentic touch, serve Pork Adobo with a side of steamed rice and sliced tomatoes or hard-boiled eggs.

Tips and Variations

For a richer flavor, you can use pork belly instead of pork shoulder, or a combination of both.

Adjust the level of tanginess by varying the ratio of soy sauce to vinegar according to your taste preferences.

To add depth of flavor, you can also incorporate other ingredients such as coconut milk, pineapple chunks, or sugar.

Leftover Pork Adobo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Cooking Pork Adobo is a rewarding culinary journey that allows you to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine. With its simple yet flavorful marinade and slow-simmered pork, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight meal or served at special gatherings, Pork Adobo is a true Filipino classic that never fails to satisfy the taste buds and warm the soul.

See more Filipino Recipes