Authentic Filipino Adobo Recipe – Savory, Tangy & Flavorful 🇵🇭

Authentic Filipino Adobo Recipe – Savory, Tangy & Flavorful 🇵🇭

Introduction

Adobo is one of the most iconic dishes of the Philippines, loved for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Made by simmering chicken or pork in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns, this dish is both easy to make and deeply flavorful.

Each Filipino household has its own version of Adobo, and variations exist such as chicken adobo, pork adobo, or even seafood adobo. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice, allowing the rich sauce to soak into every bite.

This authentic Filipino Adobo recipe will guide you through making tender, juicy, and flavorful adobo just like in a Filipino home!

Filipino Adobo Recipe

Ingredients:

🔹 For Chicken Adobo:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup white vinegar or cane vinegar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
• Salt to taste

🔹 For Pork Adobo (Alternative Version):

• 2 lbs pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• Follow the same ingredients above, replacing chicken with pork

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

1️⃣ In a bowl, combine chicken (or pork), soy sauce, minced garlic, and black peppercorns.
2️⃣ Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Sear the Meat

1️⃣ Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Remove chicken or pork from the marinade (save the marinade) and sear until browned on all sides.
3️⃣ Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce

1️⃣ In the same pan, pour in the reserved marinade, add bay leaves, vinegar, and water.
2️⃣ Bring to a gentle simmer without stirring (to allow the vinegar to cook properly).
3️⃣ Add the browned chicken or pork back to the pan.
4️⃣ Cover and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Reduce & Serve

1️⃣ Once the meat is tender, remove the lid and allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
2️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning with sugar or more soy sauce/vinegar if needed.
3️⃣ Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

✔ For a Richer Flavor – Add coconut milk for Adobo sa Gata (creamy coconut adobo).
✔ For Extra Tender Meat – Simmer for longer on low heat.
✔ For a Crispy Finish – Fry the meat after simmering for a crispy adobo twist.
✔ For a Spicy Kick – Add sliced chilies or chili flakes.

Final Thoughts

Filipino Adobo is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that represents the heart of Filipino cooking. Whether you prefer chicken or pork, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Would you like a Pinterest-style image or a variation like Adobo with coconut milk? Let me know! 🍛✨