Spicy Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves
Classic Filipino pork adobo simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic with a spicy kick from black peppercorns and chili flakes. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes pairs pork belly, cut into 1-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 540 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 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 8 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cups white rice, cooked
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork belly cubes and brown on all sides for 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 8 smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Return pork to the pot and pour in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Add 3 bay leaves, 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until pork is tender and sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaves before serving.
- Step 6: Serve hot over 4 cups cooked white rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Spicy Filipino 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 Spicy Filipino 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 Spicy Filipino Pork Adobo with Garlic 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 Spicy Filipino 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.
