Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

Tender pork simmered in a savory and tangy vinegar-soy marinade infused with garlic and bay leaves, a classic Filipino stew bursting with deep flavors. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-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 350 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: 120 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 350 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, 8 whole garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator to infuse flavors.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the marinated pork and sear for about 5 minutes until the edges start to brown and caramelize, enhancing flavor.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

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 Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves?

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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