Filipino Adobo Recipe
Filipino Adobo Recipe is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Tagalog Time with Pat on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 40 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min
Cost: $12.44 total, $3.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Thighs, Drumsticks, Wings, and Legs (mixed cuts, bone‑in for flavor)
- 2 lb Pork Belly (cut into 2‑inch cubes)
- 12 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp Whole Peppercorns (lightly crushed)
- 5 Bay Leaves
- 12 tbsp Soy Sauce (Filipino brand preferred for authentic flavor)
- 12 tbsp White Vinegar (Filipino brand preferred)
- 2.5 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (balances acidity)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (for searing chicken)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Roughly chop all 12 garlic cloves, crush the peppercorns, and gather bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water.
Time: PT5M
Combine Chicken with Marinade
In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, 6 cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp peppercorns, 5 bay leaves, 6 tbsp soy sauce, 6 tbsp vinegar, and ½ cup water.
Time: PT2M
Bring to a Boil
Cover the pot, set on high heat, and bring the mixture to a rapid boil (≈200°C).
Time: PT5M
Simmer Chicken (First Side)
Reduce heat to medium‑low and let the chicken simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Flip Chicken
Turn the chicken pieces over and simmer another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to penetrate the meat.
Time: PT10M
Remove Chicken and Set Aside
Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and pour the cooking liquid into a separate bowl.
Time: PT2M
Sear Chicken
In the same pot (or a skillet), add 2 tbsp oil and heat over medium‑high. Add the remaining 4 garlic cloves, then the chicken pieces. Sear each side for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
Time: PT3M
Return Sauce and Finish Chicken
Pour the reserved sauce back into the pot, add ½ cup more water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer for 5‑7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT7M
Prepare Pork Base
In a clean pot, combine pork belly cubes, the remaining 6 garlic cloves, 5 bay leaves, 1 tbsp peppercorns, 6 tbsp soy sauce, 6 tbsp vinegar, and 2 cups water.
Time: PT3M
Bring Pork to a Boil
Cover and set on high heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
Time: PT5M
Add Sugar and Simmer
Stir in 1 tsp sugar, reduce heat to medium‑low, and let the pork simmer uncovered for 45‑60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT55M
Adjust Pork Sauce
Taste the sauce; if too salty, add up to ½ cup water. If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering uncovered for another 5‑10 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Plate steamed white rice, top with chicken adobo or pork adobo, and spoon extra sauce over the rice.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Not vegan, Gluten‑free if using tamari
Allergens: Soy, Gluten (soy sauce)
Last updated: April 19, 2026






