Slow-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with Soy-Vinegar Marinade

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

Tender pork chunks braised in a balanced blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, creating a savory and tangy Filipino classic. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 120 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 380 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 80 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserving marinade) and sear pork pieces for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Pour in reserved marinade and 1 cup water, then stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes or until pork is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Step 4: Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot over steamed white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with Soy-Vinegar Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (40 min prep + 80 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-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with 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 Slow-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with 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 Slow-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with Soy-Vinegar Marinade 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 Slow-Simmered Filipino Pork Adobo with 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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