Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice

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

A classic Filipino pork adobo simmered in a tangy soy-vinegar marinade, served with fragrant garlic rice for a comforting meal. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs cut into 1 1/2-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 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes or until pork is tender and sauce reduces slightly.
  2. Step 2: While the adobo simmers, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cups cooked jasmine rice and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring and frying for 4-5 minutes until the rice is hot and garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Remove the bay leaves from the adobo and season with salt to taste. Serve the tender pork adobo hot over the garlic rice for a rich and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice?

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 Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice?

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 Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice 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 Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice?

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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