Savory, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—Filipino comfort at its finest.

Pork Adobo is a classic Filipino dish that’s all about big flavor and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples—soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves—you can create a deeply flavorful dish that’s perfect over garlicky rice. It’s sweet, sour, salty, and satisfying. Every Filipino household has their own version, and this one’s all about comfort and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• One-pot cooking with rich, bold flavors
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer meals
• Delicious with rice, eggs, or even over noodles

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup cane vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup water (optional, for more sauce)
• Garlic rice for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, marinate pork with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear marinated pork until lightly browned.
3. Pour in the marinade and add water (if using). Bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until pork is tender and sauce is reduced.
5. Stir in brown sugar (optional) near the end to balance flavors.
6. Serve hot with garlic rice and a fried egg if desired.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Pork belly gives a richer, more traditional flavor
• For leaner cuts, use pork shoulder or loin and reduce simmering time
• Want it saucier? Add more water and simmer longer
• Add boiled eggs during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra treat

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Gets better after a day—flavors deepen!
• Reheat on stove with a splash of water

Serving Suggestions

• Best with garlic fried rice
• Add atchara (pickled papaya) for freshness
• Top with fried egg and chilis for a spicy breakfast version

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 5 servings)

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Note: Based on pork belly. Values will vary depending on cut and serving size.

Did You Try This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how your Pork Adobo turned out! Leave a comment or tag @comfortdishesofficial to share your delicious creation.