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–+ servings

Easy Filipino Adobo Recipe

This easy Filipino adobo recipe brings the flavors of tangy soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and tender pork together in just one hour. Paired with coconut rice and fresh pineapple, this dish offers a balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors that’s perfect for a quick yet authentic meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large skillet with high sides
  • Medium pot with lid
  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Adobo:

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or butt cut into 1½- to 2-inch cubes
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves minced or grated
  • 4 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers seeded and sliced (optional)

For the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 14-ounce can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

Instructions
 

Adobo:

  • Lightly coat the pork with ground black pepper. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and 1 cup of water to create the sauce.
  • Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches and brown each side for about 2 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly seared. Remove each batch and set aside.
  • Return all of the pork to the skillet, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic, about 1–2 minutes. Add the prepared sauce along with the bay leaves. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add ¼ cup water. Stir in the pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking to infuse sweetness.
  • Discard the bay leaves. Serve the adobo hot over coconut rice, garnished with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, if desired.

Coconut Rice:

  • Combine the coconut milk and ½ cup of water in a medium pot, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the jasmine rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot tightly.
  • Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice steam for an additional 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs or breasts for the pork.
  • Add the pineapple chunks just before serving for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust the jalapeño slices based on your spice tolerance.
Keyword Authentic Filipino food, Easy Filipino adobo recipe, Easy Food Recipes, Filipino dinner ideas, Quick pork adobo, Traditional adobo recipe
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