Adobo-Style Braised Pork with Vinegar and Garlic

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

Tender pork simmered in a savory blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic that highlights a classic Filipino flavor profile. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 80 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 350 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds pork shoulder cubes to the pot and sear for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until edges get a light golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, and 1 cup water, then stir in 3 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bring to a boil uncovered.
  4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, season with salt to taste, and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to concentrate flavors and reduce sauce further.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 80 minutes (10 min prep + 70 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-Style 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 white vinegar from drying out.

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