Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaf

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A classic Filipino stew featuring tender pork pieces braised in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce infused with garlic and bay leaves. This Filipino-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 90 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.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• to taste salt

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 2-inch cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water, then add 3 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot with a lid slightly ajar. Simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes until pork is tender and sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.