Garlic-Soy Braised Pork Adobo with Vinegar Accent

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

Tender pork shoulder simmered in a savory-sweet soy-vinegar sauce with aromatic garlic and bay leaves, creating a deeply flavorful dish perfect with steamed rice. This Filipino recipe, ready in about 135 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, soy sauce, white vinegar 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 8 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 8 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to coat evenly, then cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup water to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until pork is fork-tender.
4. Step 4: Uncover and increase heat to medium-high. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it reduces to a glossy consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Discard bay leaves, then serve hot with steamed rice.