Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar
A savory Filipino classic featuring tender beef simmered in coconut vinegar and soy sauce with garlic and bay leaves for deep, layered flavor. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, coconut vinegar, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup coconut vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 8 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup for garnish green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 8 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut vinegar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, and 1 cup water. Add 3 bay leaves, 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaves and season with additional salt if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar?
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 coconut vinegar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar?
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 Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar 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 Spiced Filipino Beef Adobo with Coconut Vinegar?
Filipino beef 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.
