Hearty Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves, smashed garlic cloves
- 3 whole bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
