Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Sauce

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

A classic Filipino pork stew simmered until tender in a tangy and savory blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 100 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 380 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes with 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp black peppercorns. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear pork cubes for 5 minutes until edges are browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the reserved marinade and 1 cup water, then add 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Taste and add salt as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pork adobo hot over steamed white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Pork Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (40 min prep + 60 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 Soy Sauce?

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 Soy Sauce?

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 Soy Sauce 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 Vinegar and Soy Sauce?

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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