Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade

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

Classic Filipino pork adobo slow-cooked in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and fragrant bay leaves for rich, tangy depth. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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. 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 6 Filipino cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear pork cubes until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour the reserved marinade and 1 cup water into the pot with the pork. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar, stir gently, and bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce is reduced to a thick, glossy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed white rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade 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 Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade?

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 Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade?

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 Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade 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 Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade?

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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