Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic

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Tender pork slow-braised in a tangy, garlicky vinegar and soy sauce mixture, capturing the classic Filipino adobo flavors. This Filipino-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 90 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, soy sauce, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium sliced white onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Add 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Do not stir after vinegar is added; just bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  6. Step 6: Uncover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to reduce sauce to a slightly thickened glaze, seasoning with salt to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic?

Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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