Pork Adobo Recipe

Marinate the Pork Place the pork cubes in a large bowl and pour in the soy sauce. Add the lightly crushed garlic, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns. Toss everything together until the pork is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, although allowing it to rest for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator will result in even deeper flavor.

Brown the Pork Heat the cooking oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the liquid for later use. Add the pork pieces to the hot oil and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Browning creates caramelized flavors that enhance the richness of the finished dish.

Sauté the Garlic Add the reserved garlic from the marinade to the same pot and cook until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning, as burnt garlic may leave a bitter taste.

Add the Marinade Pour the reserved soy sauce marinade over the browned pork. Add the water and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Add the Vinegar Carefully pour in the white vinegar without stirring immediately. Allow the vinegar to boil undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes. This traditional technique helps mellow the sharp acidity of the vinegar while preserving its bright flavor. Afterward, stir gently to combine everything.

Simmer Until Tender Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pork simmer for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally and ensure the pork remains mostly submerged in the liquid. As it cooks, the meat will become increasingly tender while absorbing the savory and tangy flavors of the sauce.

Adjust the Flavor Taste the sauce and add the optional brown sugar if you prefer a slight touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper only if necessary, since the soy sauce already contributes saltiness.

Reduce the Sauce If you prefer a thicker, richer sauce, remove the lid during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking and allow the liquid to reduce naturally. The sauce should become glossy and coat the pork beautifully.

Serve Remove the bay leaves before serving if desired. Spoon the Pork Adobo over hot steamed rice, making sure to drizzle plenty of the flavorful sauce over the top. Pair it with sautéed vegetables, pickled papaya, or a side of fresh tomatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. PHOTO: KIERAN PUNAY