Traditional Adobe Or Pork In Vinegar And Soy Sauce

Prep: 40 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Filipino

A savory Filipino-inspired pork dish featuring tender cubes simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. pork shoulder butt
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except cooking oil in a pot and let stand for about 30 minutes.
  2. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until meat is tender.
  3. Drain and reserve the sauce.
  4. Heat cooking oil in a skillet.
  5. Brown the meat on all sides.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish.
  7. Pour off all remaining oil from the skillet.
  8. Add the reserved sauce and cook for a minute or two, scraping all brown bits sticking to the pan.
  9. Pour the sauce over the meat and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the vinegar and soy sauce mixture overnight. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. For a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the adobo over white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, and accompany it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh Salad Esmeralda for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a great filling for tacos or sandwiches, adding versatility to your meal planning.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly without drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Traditional Adobe Or Pork In Vinegar And Soy Sauce contains roughly 502 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1900mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

502 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 28.4g 36% DV
Carbs 58.3g 21% DV
Fiber 9.1g 33% DV
Sugar 25.7g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1900mg 83% DV
Potassium 435.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 1.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 94.5mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 27.4mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 304.6mg 23% DV
Iron 14.4mg 80% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like pork belly or pork loin, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Pork belly will be richer and more fatty, while pork loin will cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Adjust the simmering time accordingly.

What can I substitute for vinegar in this recipe?

If you don't have vinegar, you can use lemon juice or lime juice for a similar acidity. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar works well too. However, each substitute will change the flavor profile slightly, so taste as you go to achieve your desired taste.

Is this dish spicy? Can I add heat?

This traditional adobo recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by including sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Adjust the amount to your heat preference, making it a customizable dish for those who enjoy a kick.

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 →