Pork Adobo(Philippines)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Philippine

Pork Adobo is a classic Filipino stew with tender pork simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, offering a tangy and savory flavor profile perfect for hearty meals.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. pork, cut into small cubes
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 tsp. salt or 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. black pepper (ground)
  • 1 Tbsp. lard
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the pork in a saucepan.
  2. Add vinegar, garlic, black pepper, salt or soy sauce, and water.
  3. Cover the saucepan and cook slowly until the meat is tender and the broth reduces to about 1/4 cup.
  4. Drain the meat and separate the garlic pieces from the pork.
  5. Fry the garlic in lard until brown.
  6. Add the pork to the fried garlic and fry until browned.
  7. Pour in the broth and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  8. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the pork marinate in the vinegar, garlic, and seasonings for at least an hour before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter note, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar. You can substitute lard with vegetable oil for frying, though it may alter the traditional taste slightly. This dish can also be enhanced with bay leaves or a bit of chili for heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pork adobo is delicious served over steamed white rice, which absorbs the rich sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. It also pairs beautifully with German Style Potato Salad for a unique twist. Don't forget a sprinkle of green onions on top for added freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork adobo in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pork Adobo(Philippines) contains roughly 455 calories, with 9g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1818mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

455 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.8g 18% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 78.8g 29% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 35.1g 70% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1817.9mg 79% DV
Potassium 746.1mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 7.9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 37.4mg 42% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 283mg 22% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit 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 a different type of meat for adobo?

Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or even tofu as a substitute for pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than pork. The marinade will infuse the same delicious flavors regardless of the protein you choose.

What type of vinegar is best for adobo?

Traditionally, cane vinegar is used for adobo, but white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also work well. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.

Can I make adobo in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, adobo often tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors develop. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving to enjoy it at its best.

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).

Pork recipes → All recipes →