Pork Adobo Braised with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) 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.

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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