Try this melt in your mouth Pork Adobo Recipe with a perfect balance of saltiness, and acidity. Slow-cooked and then sauteed in browned garlic for richer and fuller flavors. 
Adobo has become an iconic dish that represents Filipino food worldwide. It is always present and usually takes the top place in all the Filipino food list you can find.
There was even a movie called 'American Adobo' back in 2002. Which is not about Adobo really but about the lives of five Filipinos living in the USA.
They used the name of the dish as the title in the film as a symbol that reflects the clashing characters and their different struggles in life living abroad.
But despite the conflicts in their characters, in the end, everything ended up well, just like in cooking Adobo that is acidic (vinegar), salty (soy sauce), meaty and full of spices, all ingredients are thrown together to create such a unique and delicious dish.
What is Adobo?
Adobo is a way of cooking meat (or vegetable) in a brine solution with vinegar, soy sauce, onions, and peppercorn. Dried bay leaves and garlic are usually added for extra flavor and fragrance.
It also refers to the popular Filipino dish that is cooked using this technique.
Different meat can be used for making this dish. Most common is chicken (Adobong Manok) or Pork (Adobong Baboy). Vegetables like, snake beans, water spinach, and eggplant are also cooked in this manner. So are fishes and squid.
How to make Pork Adobo tastier
My pork Adobo recipe is done a bit different than the others.
However, you will also learn that a lot of them have different ways of cooking Adobo. Some people just boil it and prefers a thinner sauce. Others marinate it in the sauce before cooking it. I, on the other hand, do not marinate but cook it twice!
It is like braising but in reverse.
- Simmer the meat in the soy sauce-vinegar solution with onions, peppercorn and bay leaves, low and slow until it becomes fork tender.
- Then separate the meat from the sauce and saute the meat in browned garlic.
- The sauce is, finally, added back and simmered until it is reduced to a caramelized sauce.
This is the way my Mama thought me and most of my titas (aunties) and cousins do it the same way.
Browning the garlic and adding it at the end makes the sauce richer with a fuller flavor.
Which cuts to use for pork Adobo
- Pork belly -(Liempo) the more popular choice because it is the most flavorful cut because of the fats in it.
- Pork shoulder - (Kasim) than pork belly. A tough cut with lots of fat and tissue that make it ideal for slow cooking.
- Pork ham - (Pigue) If you want meatier and leaner meat that is also good for slow-cooking.
- Pork hocks - (Pata) also great for making this pork Adobo recipe with a good combination of bones, skin, and meat flesh.
Although it seems that Chicken Adobo is more popular on the international scene, you should also give the pork version a try. You can even mix them if you like. As a Filipino, I cannot say which one is more popular in the Philippines. I think both are equally loved as they are equally delicious. Adobo is Adobo, regardless of the meat you use.
Other Filipino Pork Dishes to try
- Lechon Kawali - pork belly fried to a crisp
- Pata Tim - Braised pork hock
- Pork Hamonado - a little similar to pork Adobo recipe but with added sweetness from pineapple and no vinegar
- Pochero - a stew of pork with loads of vegetables, banana, and legumes
- Kapampangan Pork Asado - tomato-based stew with thickened sauce
- Tocino - sweet-savory cured pork
- Kare Kare - Pork stew with savory peanut sauce or try the crispy Kare Kare version.
Pork Adobo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork belly - cut into 1x1 or 1x2-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup dark soy sauce
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10-12 pieces peppercorn
- 3 pieces bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar - optional
- 1 big onion - chopped coarsely
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
Instructions
- Place pork belly in a pot. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, water, peppercorn, bay leaves, brown sugar, and onions. Bring to boil over high heat.
- Cover the pot with the lid and lower heat to low. Let it cook for about an hour or until the meat is really tender and liquid is reduced to half. Separate meat from the sauce.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-low and add the minced garlic. Cook garlic until golden. Remove some of the garlic from oil leaving about ½ in the pan and transfer the rest to a small bowl.
- Add back the meat to the skillet and cook for a minute or two. Add the sauce again and let it simmer for some minutes until the sauce is reduced some more and becomes thicker.
- Transfer the Pork Adobo to a serving dish and top it with the browned garlic. Serve with hot steaming rice.
Lisa says
Hello! I’m planning to make this recipe next week as the many glowing reviews have convinced me that it will be delicious! However, I was planning to do a chicken and pork adobo, do you have any advice as to how to make it with both? Should I just replace half of the meat with chicken? Would you recommend changing any other aspects of the recipe? Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try your other recipes as well! 🙂
Bebs says
Hi Lisa, yes you can simply double it or using half chicken and half pork. If you boil both meats at the same time, you just fish out the chicken once it is cooked because it cooks faster than pork. Add water if the liquid becomes too less and the pork is not yet fork-tender. The rest should work same way.
Macoy Reyes says
This is my favorite of all your recipes, also the very first one I tried making from this site. The only adjustment I make is to add 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce and some spices like thyme and/or cumin, elevates the dish even more. This has become a favorite during family gatherings. Thank you very much for sharing your recipe!
Bebs says
I am glad you and your family like it, Macoy. Thanks for the added tip too..
Macoy Reyes says
My favorite out of all your recipes, also the very first one I tried making from this site. The only adjustment I make is to add 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, elevates the dish even more. Has become a favorite during family gatherings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Abigail says
Already tried this for a couple of times. This is indeed the best pork adobo recipe for me. Thank you, Ms. Bebs.
Bebs says
Aaawww...thanks Abigail.
Abby says
I tried it just now and I superrrrrrrrrr love it!
Finally found the adobo that's perfect to my liking! Thank you so much!
Bebs says
Thanks for your wonderful review, Abby!
Gigi G. says
Hi, had this last night. Followed exactly what was written so that We would know how it will turn out. It was super duper delicious! Thanks a lot. Will do your humba next. Be safe always.
Bebs says
Glad you like it and hopefully the humba recipe too.
Mimi says
I’d made chicken adobo before, but never pork. I was skeptical about the addition of sugar and cooking twice, but this turned out to be really good!!
I used pork belly, kikkoman red (not sure if that’s dark or light soy sauce)
and datu puti. On day 1, I followed this recipe’s step 1-2, separately stored the pork and gravy in fridge overnight, and the next day, skimmed the fat from the gravy, and proceeded with steps 3-4.
I added some jalapeños to my husband’s when frying his portion—a bastardization, but he prefers stuff spicy.
I served this with a side of steamed jasmine rice, steamed bok choy and a hard boiled egg—Delicious!
This is now my FAVORITE adobo recipe, and I can’t wait to make it again. I’m about to buy some LKK soy sauce right now. Thank you for sharing!
Bebs says
Hi Mimi, I am glad to know that you loved our pork adobo recipe. About the jalapeños, no judgment here, I support you all the way! (My bestfriend would also ask me to add hot chili peppers whenever I make adobo (or anything else actually) when we were still roomies back in the days, and I totally get it! That is also great tip about removing the excess oil from the pork fat, thanks! 😘
Chrissie says
Definitely the best adobo recipe I have tried so far! Thank you!
Bebs says
Aaaw! That is nice to know! Thanks for the sweet comment, Chrissie.
Bobby T says
This was very delicious. One thing I add with chicken or pork adobo is peeled, red potatoes. I add them in the dish approximately 15-20 minutes before serving, so they don't get mushy. Then, served over steamed rice.
Bebs says
Yes, it is also common to add potatoes and even hard-boiled eggs to adobo. Glad you like it, Bobby!
Maria says
Wow! This is one of my favorite pork adobo recipes (only like this and another version). Thank you thank you!
Bebs says
Thanks for the stars, Maria.
Chryssa says
I just finished eating this adobo I made from following this recipe and oh my gosh it was soooooo good!!! I can't wait to feel hungry again so I can eat it again
Bebs says
I had to laugh but I can totally relate! Thanks for the 5 stars Chryssa.
Kelly says
Fantastic recipe -- I’ve cooked this twice now for my friend and she’s given it the thumbs up. It’s not quite ‘Nanays’ cooking, but it’s pretty close!
Bebs says
That is great, Kelly and thanks for the 5 stars...of course, noting beats Nanay's cooking 😉
Garrett Wong says
Hi... If I were to use pork hock instead of belly, would I need to cook it longer than the belly? Please advise. Thank you.
Bebs says
That could be the case, Garrett. Because hocks are usually tougher than the belly cut. But just check the tenderness from time to time all the same.
Mandy says
Hi,
I've been craving Pork Adobo since I've moved to WA from HI.
Do you think I can use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar?
Bebs says
Yes, you can but use a bit lesser as it could be too sour.
Ryan says
I cannot wait to try this recipe. Do you have any suggestions on the best type of VINEGAR to use?
Bebs says
Any vinegar that you like actually. I normally use cane vinegar but I also like using red wine vinegar sometimes for a different flavor.
Joel H Clark says
Made this for the first time tonight. I think it’s my new favorite way to prepare pork belly. Very tender and flavorful. I made a Filipino fried rice out of riced cauliflower to compliment the pork. Both were excellent.
Bebs says
That is great, Joel. Glad you like our recipe. You can also try it with chicken, here is our Chicken Adobo Recipe.
Michael P. Rosaria says
Really helpful in cooking different dishes.
Mark says
1st time to cook adobo and follow this. It was amazing. Thanks for this
Bebs says
Glad you like it, Mark.
Amazing Megan says
Looks so yummy! Gonna try this one 😊
Jack says
It's delicious and great. I did it yesterday. My whole family loves this dish. The formula is simple, effective and fast. It is great. Thank you for the very helpful article.
Bebs says
That is awesome, Jack, happy that you all like it!
Jackie says
I can’t seem to get the color right.... the taste is there and delicious. I didn’t use a dark soy sauce and I used a “pork loin” cut into cubes. Do you think it’s the type of pork I used?
Bebs says
Lean meat tends to be whiter than the fattier cut, so I could be that.
Beryl says
Thank you for sharing your recipe. Ang sarap sarap ng adobo! Believer na ako ngayon. Now I know why people recommend your site.
Bebs says
Wow! what a nice thing to say!
Maria says
Hi Bebs!
I’m so glad I found your website. This is the way my late mom cooked Adobo, except for the onions. I did try to add onions and it turned out so good, too. I cooked this for dinner last night and it was a hit! My two granddaughters are picky in foods but we were surprised that they asked for more. Yaaay! I felt so proud of myself. Unfortunately I didn’t cook that much because I was not expecting these two picky eaters would love it but I promised them to cook it again this weekend. Thank you so much! Today, I will try your Chicken Teriyaki. I’m sure this will be another hit.
Bebs says
Way to go, Maria! Glad your picky eaters loved it!
Jimmy says
Best pork adobo recipe I did ever. I love peppercorn so I put it many. The smell is so great!
Bebs says
That's great to hear, Jimmy!
kirix says
Looks good and delicious but this can not be authentic Filipino adobo recipe if there is onion. This would be closer to a pork steak recipe than adobo... just saying 🙂
Bebs says
Hi Kirix, I had to check other recipes upon reading your comment, 😊. It never occurred to me that some people cook adobo without onions (silly me). This has always been how it is done in our family and actually by everyone I know, only we have different ways of cooking it. But as for being closer to pork steak, I have to disagree. Onions are more enhanced in pork steak because it is added at the last part of cooking while in "our" adobo it is simmered with the pork and garlic until they melt into the sauce. Pork Steak has no vinegar too...just saying 😊
Deja says
My Filipina mother made her adobo without onions, but it is a bold and inaccurate claim to say this recipe cannot be authentic adobo.
Who are you Kirix, the adobo police? What a petty comment! What defines authenticity in this case and what makes you the person qualified to determine what it is? Why not contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way instead of trying to assert YOUR authority. Seems like an ego problem.
I was looking for an adobo recipe to make for my mixed-race family and am excited to try this one WITH onions.
Bebs, I look forward to making this today for Thanksgiving (we’re bucking the white colonizer tradition 😂) and kudos for replying in such a sweet gracious way to a snarky, self-important comment...just saying 😊
Bebs says
😍 😘 I love you Deja....sorry for the late reply (I have hundreds of comments waiting for answers) but I hope you liked our version when you tried it.
Jacob Petrosky says
Yummy! Normally my wife makes Chicken Adobo. I don't think I have had the pork version. I'm going to have her make this asap! Looks so good. Thank you for the recipe.
Vanessa says
Finally the best adobo recipe! Thanks for this recipe.
Rose says
Hi! great that I came across your site. I am away from PH and can't easily get adobo or I always fail. Maybe I was in a rush or just pretend how I saw our yayay do it. But this is an exemption, I did it! and cravings was satisfied. Also, my non-pinoy partner loved it. So, thank you. I'm proud to have cooked Adobo. I can easily invite friends or bring a pinoy dish to an international potluck. Keep it up!
Bebs says
That is great, Rose! Happy that you like our recipe and hopefully your friends too..
edith quiring says
Hello Bebs, if I have 3lbs of meat, do I double the soy sauce and vinegar too?? Thank you.
Bebs says
If you are going to reduce the sauce a lot, then just add a bit soy sauce or else it might get too salty.
F says
Would really love to try this recipe as it looks exactly like the adobo I would love but... I'd have to make about 3x the amount. Do I triple the amount of everything??
Bebs says
You could triple the amount of pork belly, soy sauce and vinegar and use this :
2 cup water - start with this and just add if the meat if not yet tender
10-12 pieces peppercorn
3 pieces bay leaves
1-2 teaspoon brown sugar - optional
1 big onion or 2 medium
3-4 tablespoons oil
10 cloves garlic - minced
Katrina says
Hi,
What if I put too much pepper? 🙁 We don't have any peppercorns but we have here crashed peppercorns. Not sure if I converted it properly 🙁
Bebs says
Ok, that might be more peppery if you added crushed instead of the peppercorns. Depending on how strong your pepper is, if it is a mild one then it should still be fine.
Noel says
This is my new go to website for ALL Pinoy recipes. Everything I've tried is good. Thank you for creating this site.
Bebs says
Hey Noel! That is such a great and nice comment! Thanks for the 5 stars...
May says
This is my favorite adobo recipe and believe me i tried A LOT of different recipes. 🙂
Bebs says
Aaaww..thanks for your nice words, May.
Jan ice says
At 38 i’m still confused how to cook adobo, but when i stumble in your site, i think this one will make the best outcome of real adobo. Good luck to my adobo 101!
Bebs says
Hi Jan, how did you like it?
Marilyn Morse says
I made this with pork last week tonight I'm using chicken. Very easy to make and there were no left overs. I'm so glad I found this site.Family loved it.
Bebs says
Thanks for the nice comment, Marilyn.
Rina says
Followed your recipe and achieved the taste I was looking for! Thanks for this recipe! Will cook it again later.
Bebs says
Glad to hear it, Tina.
Romell Nierra says
Your food look inspiring and delicious
Bebs says
Thanks for the nice comment and excellent ratings, Romell!
Fely Rivera says
Instead of pork, I used chicken. Your Adobo recipe is very delicious, and I'm glad I found you!!! THANKS!
Bebs says
Hi Fely, I do have a Chicken Adobo recipe but yes, they are are mostly the same. Thanks for the stars..
Annie says
The best pork adobo recipe I've tried so far! Thank you!!!
Bebs says
Hi Annie thanks for the great review!
Garland says
Sinubukan kong lutuin ito and nagustuhan naman ni mr, super like niya, kaya ngayon ayan nagpapaluto na naman, pero sana hindi magbago yung timpla ko kasi usually sa pangalawang try ko hindi na masarap, Ouch. Pero eto try ulit, Sobrang sarap kasi nanuot yung lasa sa karne, and ang ginagawa niya is ipapaluto noya ngayon, bukas niya kakainin. Tsaka yung late na ilagay yung bawang is kakaiba, thumbs up. Thank so much, godbless! INGAT PO
Bebs says
Hi Garland, adding the fried garlic at the end has always been the way Adobo is done in our family and it truly adds a ton of flavors. Glad you like it.
Elle says
I used 1/3 cup of ACV instead, and another tsp of brown sugar, and it works just fine. My husband loved it! Finally found the best adobo recipe. Thanks much Bebs, you made my day. 😍
Bebs says
Aaaww...that is so nice of you to say Elle.
Daniel says
Hi, I’m wanting to try this recipe. I love pork belly and never made it this way.
What kind of vinegar do I need?
Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Daniel, we usually have the cane vinegar but actually it will work with any kind of vinegar. Of course, it will affect the taste. I tried using red wine vinegar and loved it.
Charlie says
Hi Bebs,
Been trying out adobo recipe...to educated my bf who is a chef on it. I'm trying this now while watching Men Try Videos...thanks for the recipe!
Bebs says
How did the bf like it? the Adobo and the lesson, lol...just looked up Men Try Videos, I am hooked...haha
David Henry Awiten says
Thank you so much for the recipe. The adobo is so good and easy to cook because of your instructions. Really thank you so much!
Bebs says
Hi David, glad you like our Adobo recipe. Try some of our other recipes as well! 😊
Juliefones says
Thank you!
Bebs says
You are welcome, Julie!
Susan says
This was sooo delicious when I made it for dinner tonight. And easy to make.
Bebs says
That is awesome Susan! Glad to hear you like it!
Emet says
Easy to understand recipes.
Will try chucken instead of pork for adobo as I already did the pork.
Thank you Bebs just found your website today 12/2/19.
Bebs says
Glad you like it Emet. We also have a recipe for chciken adobo here. Enjoy!
Celine says
Was looking for adobo just like how they made it at home in Pampanga with sauce and lots of it! Thanks for this recipe!
Bebs says
You are welcome, Celine!
malougayangos says
hello ma'am pork adobo is the favorite food of my children..thank you..
Bebs says
You are most welcome, Malou...
leahmeter91 says
This is amazing!! My husband loves adobo but before I used another recipe, but for this one, he complements this so much. Thank you beb for sharing this! 😘😘😘
Bebs says
Your welcome, Leah! and happy that your husband loves it..
CharmP says
I have alwasy been making adobo since this has been my husband's favorite Filipino dish. (He is Caucasian btw) But by far this is his favorite version of adobo! More power to you 🙂 and thank you for this.
Bebs says
Aawww...that is just so nice to hear Charm. Thanks for the perfect rating too!
MaryJo Tobola says
have you tried this recipe in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot or even a slow cooker? If so what are the times you would suggest for each appliance?
Bebs says
Hi Mary Jo, I usually cook Adobo the traditional way so I haven't tried it in a pressure or Instant Pot and I am not entirely sure if you can as you need the time to cook the vinegar. I will let you know once I am able to cook it successfully with the same result.
Mercy says
Hey there - just wondering does it matter what vinegar you use?
Thank you
Bebs says
Hi Mercy, I usually just use what I have on hand. I've tried coconut, cane, apple, vegetable even red wine vinegar and so far they all worked fine. Each leaves a subtle distinct taste which is also good. The sourness or acidity should be gone anyway once it is cooked.