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

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Roughly chop all 12 garlic cloves, crush the peppercorns, and gather bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. Bring to a Boil

    Cover the pot, set on high heat, and bring the mixture to a rapid boil (≈200°C).

    Time: PT5M

  4. Simmer Chicken (First Side)

    Reduce heat to medium‑low and let the chicken simmer for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Flip Chicken

    Turn the chicken pieces over and simmer another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to penetrate the meat.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Remove Chicken and Set Aside

    Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and pour the cooking liquid into a separate bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Bring Pork to a Boil

    Cover and set on high heat until the mixture reaches a boil.

    Time: PT5M

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

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Filipino Adobo Recipe

Recipe by Tagalog Time with Pat

A classic Filipino adobo made with both chicken and pork. The recipe uses soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns for a tangy, savory sauce that can be prepared quickly without overnight marinating. Serve over steamed rice for a comforting weeknight meal.

EasyFilipinoServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
1h 44m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.44
Total cost
$3.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the chicken is simmered before searing to develop flavor without overcooking.
  • Searing the chicken after the first simmer to create a caramelized exterior.
  • Simmering pork for a sufficient time (45‑60 min) until fork‑tender.
  • Balancing the salty‑sour profile with sugar and water adjustments.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully when searing chicken to avoid splatter burns.
  • Ensure raw chicken and pork are cooked to internal temperatures of 165°F (74°C) and 145°F (63°C) respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken and Pork Adobo in Filipino cuisine?

A

Adobo dates back to pre‑colonial Philippines where vinegar and salt were used to preserve food. Spanish colonizers later named the dish "adobo" in the 1500s, and it has become a national symbol, with countless regional variations across the islands.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of adobo in the Philippines?

A

In the Visayas, adobo may include coconut milk for a richer sauce, while in Luzon people often add potatoes or boiled eggs. Some regions sweeten it with more sugar, and others use soy‑free versions with only vinegar and salt.

cultural
Q

How is adobo traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Adobo is typically served hot over steamed white rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into the grains. It may be accompanied by a side of sliced cucumbers or a simple vegetable salad.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is adobo commonly prepared in Filipino culture?

A

Adobo is an everyday comfort food but is also served at family gatherings, birthdays, and fiestas because it can be made ahead and stays tasty for several days.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken and Pork Adobo special within Filipino cuisine?

A

The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorn creates a uniquely balanced salty‑sour‑umami profile. Using both chicken and pork showcases how the same base can highlight different textures and flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken and Pork Adobo?

A

Over‑cooking the chicken during the second simmer can make it dry, and neglecting to simmer pork long enough leaves it tough. Also, failing to balance salt with a pinch of sugar can result in an overly sharp sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this adobo recipe sear the chicken after the initial simmer instead of before?

A

Searing after the first simmer adds a caramelized crust without overcooking the meat, while still allowing the sauce to penetrate the chicken during the first simmer, mimicking a quick marination.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken or Pork Adobo ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, adobo improves after resting. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the adobo is finished?

A

The meat should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The sauce should be glossy, slightly thickened, and coat the pieces without being watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tagalog Time with Pat specialize in?

A

Tagalog Time with Pat focuses on Filipino home cooking, offering easy‑to‑follow tutorials of classic dishes, cooking tips for pantry staples, and cultural background stories behind each recipe.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tagalog Time with Pat's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?

A

Pat emphasizes quick, weeknight‑friendly methods, often skipping long marination steps while still preserving authentic flavors, and provides clear explanations of ingredient choices like Filipino‑brand soy sauce and vinegar.

channel

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