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Pork Adobo with Garlic Rice

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 5 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For Pork Adobo:
  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup white vinegar (or cane vinegar)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns (or crushed)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For Garlic Rice (Sinangag):
  • 3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp oil (or rendered pork fat from adobo)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or fried garlic bits for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate the Pork : In a large bowl, combine pork, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  • Step 2: Sear the Pork : Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Remove pork from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and sear pieces until browned on all sides. This step adds richness and locks in flavor.
  • Step 3: Add Aromatics :Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add back the marinade, water, and brown sugar (if using). Stir gently to combine.
  • Step 4: Simmer Until Tender :Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until pork is fork-tender and sauce is reduced to a thick glaze. Stir occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
  • Step 5: Adjust Seasoning : Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. The flavor should be balanced — tangy but not overpowering.
  • Step 6: Make Garlic Rice : While the adobo finishes simmering, heat oil (or rendered pork fat) in a wok or skillet over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Add cold cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until heated through and lightly toasted. Season with salt to taste.
  • Step 7: Serve : Spoon a generous serving of garlic rice onto a plate and top with tender pork adobo and a drizzle of its rich sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or crispy garlic bits if desired.