Adobo-Style Pork Belly with Mango Salsa
Slow-cooked pork belly in a tangy adobo sauce, paired with a sweet-tart mango salsa for a perfect Filipino-inspired dinner. This filipino-inspired asian ready in about 90 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, soy sauce, white vinegar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup, white vinegar
- 6 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, crushed black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1, diced mango
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1, juiced lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 lbs cubed pork belly, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender.
- Step 2: While pork simmers, prepare mango salsa: in a bowl, mix 1 diced mango, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Step 3: After 1 hour, remove pork from pot (reserve cooking liquid). Skim excess fat from cooking liquid, then return to pot and bring to a simmer. Add pork back and cook for 15-20 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Serve pork belly with mango salsa on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Adobo-Style Pork Belly with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (10 min prep + 80 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Adobo-Style Pork Belly with Mango Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo-Style Pork Belly with Mango Salsa?
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 Pork Belly with Mango Salsa 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 Pork Belly with Mango Salsa?
Filipino asian 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better asian dishes though.
