Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Filipino stew featuring tender pork simmered in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce with garlic and bay leaves, made quickly in an Instant Pot for deep, rich flavors. This filipino-inspired mother’s day ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-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 450 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cancel the 'Sauté' mode, seal the Instant Pot lid, and set to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: When cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid, stir the stew, and season with black pepper to taste. Serve the pork adobo hot over 3 cups cooked white rice, garnished with 2 sliced green onions if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

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 Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

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 Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Instant Pot Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

Filipino mother’s day 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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