Sautéed Pork Adobo with Garlic and Soy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Filipino pork stew simmered in a tangy mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, creating a savory and slightly sour flavor. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 85 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 320 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: 35 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 6 minced garlic cloves. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade and sear pork cubes for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup water along with the reserved marinade, add 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until pork is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt to taste, remove bay leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Adobo with Garlic and Soy 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 Garlic and Soy?

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 Garlic and Soy?

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 Garlic and Soy 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 Garlic and Soy?

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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