Adobo Recipe – Asian Special

Filipino Adobo is a classic and comforting stew loved across the Philippines. Made with chicken or pork, simmered in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, it’s a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. This easy adobo recipe captures the essence of traditional Filipino cooking and pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time45 min
  • Total Time1 hr

Adobo Ingredients:

  • 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or pork belly, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2–3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Adobo Instructions:

1

Heat oil in a pan; sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

2

Add chicken or pork pieces and sear until lightly browned.

3

Pour in soy sauce and vinegar; add bay leaves, black peppercorns, and water.

4

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until meat is tender.

5

Add sugar if desired, and adjust salt or vinegar to taste.

6

Simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.

7

Serve hot over steamed rice.

Recipe Notes :

Slow-Simmered Adobo: Gently simmering allows the meat to absorb the tangy, savory flavors fully.

Adobo Sauce: Reduce the sauce to your desired thickness for a rich coating over the meat.

Tangy Filipino Stew: Adjust vinegar and sugar to balance acidity and sweetness.

Versatile Main Dish: Works with chicken, pork, or a mix of both.

Meal Prep Friendly: Adobo tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.