Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Soy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, savory Filipino pork stew braised in a tangy blend of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, white vinegar, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 6 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Return the pork to the pot and pour in 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup soy sauce, followed by 1 cup water. Add 1 tsp black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Adobo-Inspired Braised Pork with Vinegar and Soy 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 Soy?

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 white vinegar from drying out.

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

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 Soy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Soy?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes