Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar

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

A Filipino classic featuring tender pork chunks braised in a tangy soy sauce and vinegar mixture with aromatic bay leaves. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes pairs cut into 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 350 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: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 600 g pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Stir in 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and add salt if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 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 Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar?

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 Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar?

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 Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar 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 Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar?

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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