Adobo(Popular Filipino Dish)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: Filipino

A savory Filipino classic featuring tender chicken simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices, perfect for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavors with comforting warmth.

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Ingredients

  • 1 chicken, cut
  • 1 small piece of ginger, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 10 peppercorns, crushed
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and crushed peppercorns in a pot.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, consider including a tablespoon of brown sugar in the marinade. You can substitute vinegar with lime juice for a different acidity profile. Additionally, feel free to use pork or tofu instead of chicken for a variation of this dish, similar to Chicken Paprikash.

Serving Suggestions

Adobo is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which helps balance its savory flavors. You can also pair it with pickled vegetables or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside Caribbean Chicken And Rice or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover adobo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Adobo(Popular Filipino Dish) contains roughly 939 calories, with 26g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (238% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2409mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

939 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.7g 51% DV
Total Fat 26.3g 34% DV
Carbs 207g 75% DV
Fiber 66.7g 100% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2408.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1556.8mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 5.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 776.6mcg 86% DV
Vitamin C 116.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for adobo?

Yes, adobo can be made with various proteins such as pork or beef. Each meat will impart a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is adobo spicy?

Adobo is not typically spicy, but you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat. The crushed peppercorns provide a mild peppery flavor without significant spiciness.

Can I make adobo in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For slow cooker adobo, add the marinated chicken and all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. This method enhances the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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