Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

A classic Filipino pork stew braised slowly in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce with garlic and aromatic bay leaves, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 105 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-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: 90 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 6 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water, then add 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot partially. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is fork-tender and sauce has reduced slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 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-Simmered 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-Simmered 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-Simmered 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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