Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar and Bay Leaves
A classic Filipino pork stew braised in a balance of soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, and fragrant bay leaves until tender and flavorful. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder, soy sauce, black 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup black vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves, crushed garlic cloves
- 3 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, sliced white onion
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden and edges are crispy.
- Step 2: Add 6 crushed garlic cloves and 1 sliced medium white onion to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup black vinegar, and 1 cup water. Stir in 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until pork is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Season with salt to taste, remove bay leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar and Bay Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar 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-Simmered Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar 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-Simmered Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar 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-Simmered Pork Adobo with Black Vinegar 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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