Introduction
Adobo is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, known for its unique combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Traditionally made with chicken or pork, the meat is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices before being simmered until tender. Each region and household has its own variation, with some adding coconut milk or hard-boiled eggs. Adobo is often served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs (or pork, cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (or cane vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Steamed white rice
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
-
Marinate the Meat:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken (or pork), soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
-
Sear the Meat:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Remove the meat from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear it until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Cook the Adobo:
- Once the meat is browned, pour in the reserved marinade and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and brown sugar if desired. The sugar helps to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Adobo hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Health Tips
- Adobo can be high in sodium due to the soy sauce. To make it healthier, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the amount of vinegar. Adding more vegetables can also increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Adobo pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, and you can serve it alongside pickled vegetables or a simple green salad to add freshness to the meal.
Tips
- Flavor Variations: For a unique twist, try adding coconut milk for a creamier version or sliced potatoes for added heartiness.
- Leftovers: Adobo is known for tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it great for meal prep.
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it will be, so consider marinating overnight if time allows.
