Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Soy and Vinegar Glaze
A classic Filipino pork adobo slow-cooked in a tangy blend of soy sauce and vinegar, infused with garlic and black peppercorns for rich, savory depth. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, soy sauce, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, cut into 2-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves, crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon, whole black peppercorns
- 3 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- to taste salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons 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.
- Step 2: Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes to the pot and sear for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Add 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and the 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 Soy and Vinegar Glaze 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 Soy and Vinegar Glaze?
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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Soy and Vinegar Glaze?
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 Soy and Vinegar Glaze 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 Pork Adobo with Soy and Vinegar Glaze?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing flavor, but simmering took 2 hours instead of 1.5 as written.
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds! Perfect family dinner with rice.
- ★★★★★
This recipe nailed the balance—so tender and tangy, just like my abuela made.
