As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Starting my cooking journey later in life, I found inspiration in my mom’s knack for turning fridge finds into delectable dinners. Armed with her cooking wisdom, I ventured into creating unforgettable meals. My first attempt? Pork adobo—a seemingly simple dish with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaf. Yet, mastering its flavors proved trickier than I thought.
After a series of trials and what my husband affectionately terms my “culinary experiments,” I finally cracked the perfect recipe. Selecting the pork cut becomes a matter of personal preference. Some days, it’s pork belly; other days, it’s pork leg or knuckles.
To begin, I marinate the pork in a blend of vinegar, soy sauce (opting for light Kikkoman for health reasons), minced garlic (to taste; usually a couple of cloves suffice), and a hint of brown sugar. After marinating for 30 minutes to overnight, I add bay leaves and cook the meat along with the marinade. #ad https://amzn.to/4b4kIHu
Allow it to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until tender, then switch off the stove. Voilà! Your homemade adobo is ready to delight. Pair it with rice, corn, or your preferred root crop. Bon appétit!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork (belly, leg, or knuckles)
- 1/3 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce (such as Kikkoman)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4-5 bay leaves
- Cooking oil (optional, for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
- Trim excess fat and cut the pork into cubes or smaller pieces.
2. Marinate the Pork:
- Mix vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl. Coat the pork in the marinade thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
3. Cooking the Adobo:
- Transfer the pork and marinade to a pot or skillet. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer covered for 30 to 45 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken.
Optional Step: Crisping the Pork (Adobong Baboy):
- For an added crunch and flavor dimension, fry the cooked pork in a separate pan until crispy.
Serving:
- Discard bay leaves. Serve hot with rice, corn, or your favorite root crops. Garnish with scallions or cilantro, if desired.
Indulge in the taste of your homemade creation. Savor the rich flavors of this Filipino classic, bringing back memories of comforting home-cooked meals.
