Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Vinegar Reduction
A classic Filipino pork dish simmered in a tangy vinegar-soy sauce with aromatic bay leaves, slowly sautéed until tender and flavorful. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs soy sauce, white vinegar, water 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds pork shoulder cubes, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1/2 cup water. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and sauté pork cubes for 5-7 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Step 3: Pour in the reserved marinade and add 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce has reduced and thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Vinegar Reduction take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (35 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 Vinegar Reduction?
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 Vinegar Reduction?
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 Vinegar Reduction 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 Sautéed Pork Adobo with Bay Leaves and Vinegar Reduction?
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.
