Filipino Pork Adobo Recipe - The Woks of Life (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between adobo and Filipino adobo seasoning? ›

Philippine adobo has a characteristically salty and sour, and often sweet, taste, in contrast to Spanish and Mexican adobos which are spicier or infused with oregano.

There's no doubt that adobo is a mainstay in Philippine cuisine — thanks to its complex flavours rooted from a simple vinegar-braised method, it's one of the most well-known gateway dishes that introduces foreigners to the curious and nuanced world of Filipino food.

Many Filipino chicken adobo recipes will also tell you that using entirely white vinegar is fine. The first time I made chicken adobo, I used white vinegar and it was quite tasty, though I like this recipe better. Other recipes prefer apple cider vinegar, which is a bit less sharp and acidic than white vinegar.

How long does chicken adobo last? Due to its acidity, adobo can last up to a week in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer 一 a bit longer than a simple roasted chicken, which typically keeps 3 to 4 days.

A suitable substitute for adobo seasoning is a blend of common spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can try using Cajun seasoning or mild curry powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.

In Mexico, adobo sauce starts with dried chiles like guajillo and ancho peppers. The chiles are rehydrated and combined into a thick paste with an acid like vinegar or citrus juice and flavorful additions like onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano.

Some side dishes that go beautifully with Filipino adobo are fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa or mashed potatoes. You'll want something starchy to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or cucumber salad would be the perfect side dish with chicken adobo.

Filipino Adobo is an indigenous dish that received a Spanish name because it reminded the Spaniards of how they marinated and preserved meat with spices. They are not the same, but they are similar because each culture needed to preserve and flavor food so it wouldn't rot.

The word adobo is derived from the Spanish word adobar, which means “marinade” or “pickling sauce.” The existence of the tangy dish was first recorded in 1613 by the Spaniard Pedro de San Buenaventura.

Add Seasoning. Pour in soy sauce, garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves and lastly white vinegar. For best results, do not stir the sauce as this prevents the acid from fully evaporating. This is a tip that I learned.

What happens if you put too much vinegar in adobo? ›

If you find that your adobo tastes too vinegary and still needs to cook, add one teaspoon of brown sugar to adjust and then taste again. Repeat if necessary. It's difficult to fix an oversalted stew, so start off by underseasoning and know that your liquid will reduce.

Datu Puti Spiced White Vinegar is a hot and spicy vinegar variety from the Philippines. It is a natural white vinegar flavoured with chillies and garlic. The ethnic term used for this variety of white vinegar is Filipino language is 'Sukang Massim', which means 'sour vinegar'.

As with most braised meat dishes, pork adobo tastes even better the day after cooking. The resting time allows the meat to full absorb the flavors of the braising sauce. Store leftover adobo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Adobo can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat the frozen adobo, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it's heated through.

Keep in mind that adobo is always better the next day. I chose to do an overnight marinade so you can have that next-day flavor as soon as it's cooked. Sear the chicken in a pot (save that awesome marinade!) until the skin starts to caramelize.

It typically contains salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. The exact mix can vary—some adobo blends may contain turmeric, touches of fiery heat like cayenne, or citrus elements such as dried lemon zest.

While our adobo shares its name with a couple of Hispanic dishes, there are key differences between the Filipino version and its Spanish and Mexican cousins.

What Chicken Adobo tastes like. The glaze of Filipino Chicken Adobo is savoury and sweet with a hint of tang, with a distinct soy flavour. The garlic and onion creates a savoury base along with the bay leaves, and the peppercorns add little subtle pops of heat. Don't be afraid of the peppercorns in this!