The Best Easy Pork Adobo Recipe | A Filipino Classic

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Mar 31st 2025

Adobo is a classic Filipino household dish! It’s super simple to make—just braise your choice of meat with spices, then season it with soy sauce and vinegar. Serve it with hot steamed rice, and you’ve got a comforting meal!

Pork Adobo is one of the most beloved Filipino dishes, known for its rich, savory, and tangy flavors.

This easy pork adobo recipe features tender pork belly braised in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.

The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dish with a deep umami taste that pairs perfectly with steamed rice!

Adobo is a Filipino-style braised dish that is popular both in the Philippines and in many other countries.

The cooking method varies, but it typically consists of chicken or pork marinated in Filipino soy sauce, then simmered with vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns until tender.

It’s best enjoyed with freshly steamed rice.

This national dish of the Philippines originated in the northern region and has a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors.

👍🏻 What makes it extra special? Adobo keeps well for a long time, making it perfect for meal prep or on-the-go eating.

The cooking process itself acts as a natural way to preserve the dish!

Fun fact: The word “Adobo” comes from the Spanish term “adobar,” which means “to marinate.”

What You'll Need

• Pork Belly – Rich and fatty for a tender, flavorful dish
• Oil –Use a high-smoking-point oil like vegetable or canola for better frying
• Garlic –Adds depth and aroma
• Bay Leaves – Enhances the fragrance and earthy notes
• Black Peppercorns – Provides a mild heat and subtle spice
• Soy Sauce – Bbrings umami and saltiness
• Water – Helps tenderize the meat while simmering
• Vinegar – Adds the signature tangy taste of adobo
• Sugar (optional) – Balances the acidity, if desired

Why You’ll Love The Best Easy Pork Adobo Recipe

✅ Easy & Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients, foolproof steps!

✅ Authentic Filipino Flavor – A classic taste passed down for generations.

✅ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

How to Cook The Best Easy Pork Adobo

1. Cut pork into 1 ½-inch pieces; smash the garlic.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear pork until browned.
3. Add garlic, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add bay leaves, black peppercorns, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir.
5. Pour in water to cover the pork. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
6. Uncover, add vinegar, and increase to medium-high heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes until sauce reduces.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice.

What to Serve With The Best Easy Pork Adobo Recipe

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) or Thai Spring Rolls

🥩 Main Course: Pad Woon Sen or freshly steamed rice

🍛 Side Dish: Cucumber Salad

🍰 Dessert: Banana in Coconut Milk or Sago

Adobo is not just a Filipino household favorite—it’s also one of the easiest one-pot meals to prepare.

Plus, the longer it sits, the better it tastes, making it perfect for meal prep!

Adobo and Palo (Thai Braised Pork) share some similarities. Whatever you’re craving tonight, Adobo and Palo are both comforting, flavorful choices!

If you’re in the mood for something tangy and savory, go for Filipino Adobo with its rich vinegar-based sauce.

But if you’re craving something sweeter and more aromatic, Thai Palo with its warm spices and deep, caramelized flavor is the way to go.

Either way, both pair perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice for a satisfying meal! 🍛✨