Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Bay Leaves

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

A tender, tangy Filipino pork stew simmered slowly in a savory soy-vinegar marinade with aromatic bay leaves and garlic. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch chunks, 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Remove pork from marinade, reserving the liquid, and brown pork pieces for about 5 minutes until all sides develop a light golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Pour the reserved marinade along with 1 cup water into the pot with the pork. Stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes until pork is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 135 minutes (45 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 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 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 Vinegar and Bay Leaves 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 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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