Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Soy Vinegar Marinade

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-03

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 recipe, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 6, crushed garlic cloves
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

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.