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Philippines · Food

Classic Pork Adobo

90 min
1380 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Classic Pork Adobo🇵🇭Roderick Suñaz Sumalinog · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

5 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Classic Pork Adobo. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 5 matches

The quintessential Filipino comfort dish featuring tender pork belly braised in a savory, tangy soy-vinegar reduction. It is a harmonious balance of salt, acid, and aromatic spices that deepens in flavor overnight.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Classic Pork Adobo from another cuisine is Coffee Braised Pork Belly (South Korea): the two share 71% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

  • 2

    Sear the pork belly pieces in batches for 3-5 minutes until all sides are nicely browned and caramelized.

  • 3

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

  • 4

    Pour in the soy sauce, water, and add the peppercorns and bay leaves, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

  • 5

    Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the pork is tender to the fork.

  • 6

    Stir in the vinegar and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes; avoid stirring immediately after adding the vinegar to allow the raw bite to cook off.

  • 7

    Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon with a glossy sheen.

  • 8

    Serve hot over a generous bed of steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into every grain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adobo?

Adobo is a staple Filipino stew made by simmering pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. It is a savory, vinegary dish typically served as a main course with steamed white rice.

Can I substitute the vinegar?

Cane vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar works perfectly as a substitute.

Why shouldn't I stir after adding the vinegar?

It is a common technique to let the vinegar cook off for a few minutes before stirring to ensure the acidity is mellowed correctly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely, Adobo is famous for tasting even better on the second day after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator.

Should the pork be very tender?

Yes, the pork should reach a point where it is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart into mush.

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