Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction
A Filipino-inspired grilled pork dish featuring the classic adobo flavors of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, reduced into a savory glaze. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 115 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, crushed black peppercorns
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns, 2 whole bay leaves, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear pork cubes for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Pour the reserved marinade and 1/2 cup water into the skillet with pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until pork is tender and sauce has thickened to a glaze that coats the pork.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with the reduced sauce until edges are slightly charred and caramelized. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction take to make?
Total time is about 115 minutes (75 min prep + 40 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 Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction?
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 Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction?
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 Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction 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 Grilled Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction?
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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