Stewed Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

A classic Filipino stew featuring tender pork simmered in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce infused with garlic and aromatic bay leaves. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 110 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, soy sauce, vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 350 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 vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown the pork cubes for 5-7 minutes until edges are lightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the reserved marinade and 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stewed Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (40 min prep + 70 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 Stewed 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 Stewed 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 Stewed Pork Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves 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 Stewed 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.

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