Filipino Adobo Recipe: 3 Popular Variations You Should Love

Liputan6.com, Jakarta When people talk about Filipino food, the adobo recipe is often the first that comes to mind. This dish is loved not only in the Philippines but also around the world. Its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet taste makes it a comforting meal for many families. For those who want to experience authentic Filipino flavors, learning this dish is a great starting point.

The adobo recipe is one of the most famous traditional Filipino dishes. It is usually cooked with meat such as pork, chicken, or beef, slowly simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. The cooking style of marinating and simmering came from the Philippines’ history and has become a symbol of the country’s rich food culture. Adobo is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines.

In this article, we will share three tasty adobo recipe variations that you will love. From the famous pork adobo to the chicken adobo, you can choose the one that suits your taste more. We will also share some tasty side dishes that go well with your adobo. We gathered these recipes from various sources, Tuesday (16/9/2025).

Pork adobo is one of the most popular versions of the dish. It is rich, flavorful, and has a perfect balance of tender meat and tangy sauce. This pork adobo recipe is a favorite in many Filipino households because it is both simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg pork belly or shoulder, cut into chunks

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/2 cup vinegar

- 1 onion, chopped

- 6 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 tsp whole peppercorns

- 1 cup water

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pork and soy sauce. Mix well so the meat is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, then sauté until soft and fragrant.

3. Add the marinated pork along with the marinade. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the meat is lightly browned on all sides.

4. Pour in vinegar and allow it to boil for 2 minutes without stirring to remove its sharp taste.

5. Add water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir gently, then bring to a boil.

6. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40–50 minutes or until the pork is tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.

7. Stir in sugar if you prefer a slightly sweet taste. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt as needed.

8. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich sauce.

The beef adobo recipe is less common but still very delicious. The slow cooking process makes the beef soft and allows it to absorb all the flavors of the sauce. This version is a hearty and filling option.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef brisket or short ribs, cut into chunks

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/2 cup vinegar

- 1 onion, chopped

- 6 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 bay leaves

- 1 tsp whole peppercorns

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 2 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the beef in a bowl and pour in soy sauce. Mix well so all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to soak in.

2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, then sauté until fragrant and softened.

3. Add the marinated beef to the pot. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning the meat until it is browned on all sides.

4. Pour in vinegar and let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring to lessen its sharpness.

5. Add water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir gently, then bring to a boil.

6. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir from time to time and check if extra water is needed to prevent drying out.

7. Once the beef is fork-tender, add sugar if you prefer a mild sweetness. Adjust the taste with more soy sauce or salt if necessary.

8. Serve warm with rice and enjoy the rich, savory sauce.

The chicken adobo recipe is lighter compared to pork but still packed with flavor. It is often chosen by those who prefer lean meat. This version is just as delicious and comforting.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/2 cup vinegar

- 1 onion, chopped

- 5 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 tsp whole peppercorns

- 1 cup water

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken pieces in a bowl and add soy sauce. Mix to coat the chicken well. Marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, then sauté until golden and fragrant.

3. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes until the skin is lightly browned on both sides.

4. Pour in vinegar and let it boil for about 2 minutes without stirring.

5. Add water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir gently, then bring everything to a boil.

6. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and check if more water is needed.

7. Add sugar if you want a hint of sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or salt.

8. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the flavorful sauce.

Adobo is already full of flavor, but pairing it with the right side dishes makes the meal even better. These sides can balance the richness of adobo and add more variety to your dining experience.

- Steamed White Rice – The classic and most popular side for any adobo recipe, rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.

- Garlic Fried Rice – Adds a garlicky twist and extra aroma that complements adobo well.

- Sauteed Vegetables – Light vegetables such as string beans, spinach, or cabbage make the meal more balanced.

- Fried Plantains – Sweet and crispy plantains add a unique flavor contrast to the tangy adobo.

- Pickled Vegetables (Atchara) – This traditional Filipino side dish cuts through the richness of the meat.

- Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong) – A simple eggplant dish that pairs nicely with adobo.

- Fresh Tomato Salad – Refreshing and light, tomatoes provide a burst of freshness to the meal.

With these sides, your adobo meal becomes more complete and satisfying, giving you a well-rounded Filipino dining experience.